Conflicts of interest in orthopaedic surgery: The intertwining of orthopaedic surgery, peer review publications and corporate sponsorship
- Author:
Dhillon KS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Conflicts of interest;
biomedical device and pharmaceutical industry;
peer review publications;
orthopaedic surgery;
clinical practice guidelines
- MeSH:
Ethics, Medical;
Professional Competence;
Professionalism;
Technology, Pharmaceutical;
Delivery of Health Care
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2015;9(1):47-59
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Conflicts of interest in medicine has created deep concerns
about the integrity of medicine and raised doubts about the
trustworthiness of the medical professional. New stories of
conflict of interest in medicine have become a
commonplace. The interactions between the medical
professional and the biomedical device as well as the
pharmaceutical industry has become so pervasive that the
primary interest of the medical professional in protecting and
promoting the welfare of the patient has been compromised.
The professional judgement and actions have been
influenced by secondary interests, the major fungible and
quantifiable being financial interest. The industry influence
not only affects the way we practice orthopaedics but also
affects medical education and peer review publications. Peer
review publications have been shown to exaggerate benefits
of the industry products while at the same time downplaying
the risks. These conflicts of interest in orthopaedic surgery
are particularly common in spinal and joint replacement
surgery where joint replacement has been described as a
‘fashion trade’. The introduction of new products appears to
be an uncontrolled experiment which has been hijacked by
large corporations. This article explores the unhealthy
pervasive interaction between the orthopaedic surgeon and
the medical devices as well as the pharmaceutical industry. It
highlights how the biomedical and the pharmaceutical
industry dominate all aspects of the healthcare system. With
its wealth and political clout, its influence is present
everywhere, from the use of devices and drugs, research,
publications, trials, education and even formulation of CGPs.
- Full text:P020150526299411237483.pdf
