What is known?
Medical guidelines define clinical practice and, as such, have substantial implications for clinicians, patients, healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry. Industry spends large amounts of money on relationships with the healthcare community. Furthermore, evidence suggests that clinicians are likely to change their prescribing habits as a result of these relationships.
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What is the question?
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What was found?
Across five clinical practice guidelines from the ESC, guideline authors frequently had a relevant CoI, particularly direct personal payments. The evidence used to support the pharmaceutical recommendations was often supported by industry-funded studies. Authors of industry-funded studies frequently had a conflict of interest with the study funder.
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What is the implication for practice now?
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