Conflict of Interest

A new study released by the New England Journal of Medicine shows that some hospital review board members may receive money from the companies that make the drugs and medical devices that are part of the studies. The study published in the NEJM focused on "the financial relationships that the members had with industry (e.g., employment, membership on boards, consulting, receipt of royalties, and paid speaking)."

The study concluded that "Relationships between IRB members and industry are common, and members sometimes participate in decisions about protocols sponsored by companies with which they have a financial relationship. Current regulations and policies should be examined to be sure that there is an appropriate way to handle conflicts of interest stemming from relationships with industry."

CBS news picked up the story via AP and an article published yesterday titled "Industry Ties Common on Hospital Boards" goes into more depth on this subject. The idea that many of the people who make the decisions for hospitals regarding drugs and procedures may be receiving money from the very companies that manufacture the products they are recommending is rather troublesome.

Patients deserve the benefit of knowing that their treatment and care is being handled responsibly by people who are not gaining financially for pushing certain treaments or drugs on the patients. The CBS article poses "The question: Do medical researchers always act in the best interest of science _ or patients _ if they are also getting royalties, consulting fees or other benefits from the makers of the products being tested?"

You make the decision.