The relationship between doctors and the medical device and drug industry continues to raise concern. Yes, some improvements have been made during recent years, but much more needs to be done in terms of enforcing a code of conduct that prohibits unethical “gift” giving to doctors in return for doctors using certain drugs and devices over others due to personal relationships with those who sell these products.
A recent study reveals that relationships, between physicians and drug/device makers, still need to be better managed. The study surveyed 300 pediatric and family medicine resident physicians and looked at the following as reported by HealthDay News:
The authors posed a series of questions to gauge opinions on industry gifting. Some questions touched upon the sacrifices doctors had made (sleep lost, hours worked, debt amassed) while pursuing a career. They also asked about the stagnant wages and high debts that can hamper many in the medical field.
The results: Although few physicians indicated that their working conditions were "bad," doctors who were reminded of the sacrifices they had made to get to where they are now were much more likely to view receiving industry gifts as acceptable.
Specifically, about 48 percent of those who were reminded about the sacrifices they had made as doctors thought accepting gifts from industry was fine, vs. about 22 percent of those who were not reminded.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America or PhRMA, representing about 40 major drug makers, has signed a voluntary code that puts a moratorium on some of these practices - at least in theory. My concern is that the industry is policing itself and that is never a good decision.
Disclosing gifts is not enough. Patients and consumers need to insist that these conflicts of interest will not be tolerated. Medical schools and healthcare systems need to educate physicians and staff about why this activity is harmful and unethical.
The care we offer patients should never be tainted by these influences. If we are truly serious about putting a stop to this, then there need to be ramifications, fines and disciplinary action that are strictly enforced. We can’t just let the industry police itself.
Ed Howe blogs regularly at Action for Better Healthcare.