Managing Conflicts of Interest: Who is Responsible?

Abstract

As medical professionals, we have been taught to critically evaluate new information that may have implications for the way we practice and for our ability to deliver optimal patient care. When it comes to scientific studies, most of us have a reasonable understanding of the importance of sound methodology; we recognize that factors such as sample size and selection, control of variables, study duration, and so on can make the difference between valid and invalid data. Within the last several years, however, many of us have developed a keener awareness (and perhaps a greater skepticism) concerning yet another factor in data reliability—namely, the manner in which relationships between physicians and public or private commercial or noncommercial entities can result in conflicts of interest. These conflicts have the potential to impact the quality of information disseminated through our professional meetings, instructional courses, and even our scientific journals. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is one of many professional groups that has tackled this issue head-on. Consistent with requirements mandated by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), ASAPS has a clearly-articulated conflicts of interest disclosure and resolution policy for faculty participating in ASAPS-sponsored programs. In May 2009, however, the Boards of Directors of ASAPS and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) adopted a new Unified Conflict of Interest Policy that specifically addresses potential conflicts of interest among individuals in positions of leadership.1 This policy requires full disclosure, on an annual basis, of potential conflicts of interest by all members of the organizations' Boards of Directors, committee chairs, Trustees, and spokespersons, including traveling professors, all employees, and all members of official publication editorial boards, including Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Aesthetic Society News . Remedies for managing conflicts of interest most often involve some form of public …