Abstract
Traditionally there has been a collaboration between scientists and industry contributing to the development of new drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Conflict-of-interest (COI) may develop amongst surgeons and academic researchers especially during the process of refinement of techniques and the marketing and sale of devices. Dramatic examples of COI occurred over the last fifty years leading to strict regulations designed to reduce COI at research institutions. Action taken by the International Association of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) created COI guidelines to help authors and editors to ensure clear, reproducible, and unbiased medical articles. The Physicians Payments Sunshine Act was designed to increase transparency of financial relationships between physicians and industry. However, there are instances where authors and scientists are not obligated to fully disclose their COI. Only direct payments are required to be reported, not indirect payments to faculty at large academic institutions, allowing some to take advantage of the exceptions to the disclosure requirements while others must disclose payment for their work effort. Based on prominent scandals, regulations aimed at reducing industry influence in research and publication may fail to recognize the potential benefits of collaboration and produce a narrow-minded view of trust. Where should an editorial board or an academic institution draw the line?
Guidelines for dealing with faculty conflicts of commitment and conflicts of interest in research. July 1990. Association of American Medical Colleges Ad Hoc Committee on Misconduct and Conflict of Interest in Research
