Semin Neurol 2018; 38(05): 589-598
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668081
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ethical Issues Pertaining to Conflicts of Interest Between Neurologists and the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industries

Nathaniel M. Robbins
1   Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 October 2018 (online)

Abstract

A conflict of interest (COI) exists when a physician's professional responsibilities are compromised by personal or financial relationships. COIs between physicians and the pharmaceutical or medical device industry (Industry) are common. Collaborations with Industry have many potential benefits, but also raise potential ethical pitfalls. Industry-related COIs have widespread influence on medical education, research, and clinical practice, and therefore have profound implications for the integrity of the field of medicine. Full disclosure is an important step toward mitigating COI but does not redress subconscious accompanying biases. I review the spectrum of potential COI faced by physicians, with a focus on the ethics surrounding the relationship between neurologists and Industry. Other financial and nonfinancial COIs that influence neurologists and nonindividual entities, such as academic institutions, medical journals, and professional societies, are also discussed. Solutions ranging from disclosure to avoidance and recusal are briefly considered.

 
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