Fraud and Misconduct in Biomedical Research

Abstract

This is the third edition of a book which was first published in 1993 . The need for three editions in less than ten years highlights not only the importance of the topic but also the rapid developments in the field, particularly in the area of setting up appropriate national structures to deal with the problem. The chapters have been extensively revised and new chapters added since the last edition by eminent authors not only from the United Kingdom but also from other European countries and the United States . Topics cover such issues as what is fraud and misconduct in medical science, why do researchers venture into this area of deceit, how common is the problem, and how have various governments, national medical bodies, journal editors and the pharmaceutical industry responded to the problem. Chapters also discuss statistical and other techniques useful in detecting suspected fraud. Perhaps most importantly is a discussion on how to prevent fraud from occurring . It maybe argued that South Africa is far from the pressures of 'publish or perish', but the increasing use of health professionals in South Africa to conduct pharmaceutical contract research should make all those concerned with maintaining the name of research in South Africa wary of dismissing the problem as being something that really does not concern us . In fact, the recent much-publicised infamous case of the oncologist in Johannesburg should make this book essential reading for all those who sit on ethics or research committees, or who are members of national structures governing the practice of medicine and research in this country. Although at R760, it maybe felt that this is an expensive book for only 267 pages, it is a book that should be in every medical library in South Africa and should be prescribed reading for all who are studying bioethics in our universities . Finally it is a book whose chapters are well written and easy to read, thus making the content readily available to those whomay not be well versed in medical jurisprudence or ethical discourse . John M Pettifor