Conflicts of interest: a review of institutional policy in Australian medical schools

Abstract

To examine the adequacy of policies at Australian medical schools for managing potential conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical industry. 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. Policy scores and grades for Australian medical schools. 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). Our results indicate a need for improved self-regulation of conflicts of interest in Australian medical schools.