Healthy Skepticism Library item: 19066

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Mason PR, Tattersall MHN
Conflicts of interest: a review of institutional policy in Australian medical schools
Med J Aust 2011; 194:(4):216
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/194_03_070211/mas10914_fm.html

Abstract:

Objective: To examine the adequacy of policies at Australian medical schools for managing potential conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical industry.
Design, setting and participants: National survey of 20 Australian medical schools to assess their policies regarding disclosure and management of conflict of interest, undertaken in October 2009, using the American Medical Student Association’s PharmFree Scorecard. Main outcome measures: Policy scores and grades for Australian medical schools.
Results: Compared with United States medical schools, Australian medical schools performed better in only the curriculum domain and had a lower mean score overall (44% v 58%; P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our results indicate a need for improved self-regulation of conflicts of interest in Australian medical schools.

Notes:

Incorrect mean final scores in figure: In “Conflicts of interest: a review of institutional policy in Australian medical schools” in the 7 February 2011 issue of the Journal (Med J Aust 2011; 194: 121-125), there was a transposition error in Box 6 (page 125). The mean final score for US medical schools should be 58% and the mean final score for Australian medical schools should be 44%.