RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The relationship between physicians and the biomedical industries: advice from the Royal College of Physicians
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 320
OP 322
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.2-4-320
VO 2
IS 4
A1 John Bennett
A1 John Collins
YR 2002
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/2/4/320.abstract
AB The relationship between a physician and a biomedical firm is often important, and can be useful to both parties. However, there is a danger that the substantial resources available to a biomedical firm might sometimes be used to interfere with a physician's independent professional judgment. For the reputation and good conduct of the profession and the industry, and for the welfare of patients, it is essential that this does not happen. Total absence of communication would prejudice the undoubted good which collaboration can achieve. This paper sets out what the Royal College of Physicians currently believes are appropriate boundaries: to the acceptance of gifts; to sponsorships and subsidies for meetings; to the conduct of meetings with industry representatives; and other matters. We believe that clearly stated guidance will benefit the biomedical industry and physicians alike.