Conflicts of interest in physician-industry relationships in innovative care
de Mol, B.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 154: A1526
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 20178669 Document Number: 642282
Innovation of care is characterized by close working relationships with all parties involved, including industry. These relationships may jeopardize patient safety and result in incremental health care costs. On the other hand, the system of close collaboration is beneficial for government, health insurance institutions, hospital boards, professional associations of physicians, health care providers as well as patients. The Inspectorate of Health Care has the task to monitor, within the framework of the law, the negative consequences of potential or actual conflicts of interest and to ensure that the system is trustworthy and reliable. It should not only report but also act as watchdog in order to question and eventually sanction undisclosed and unacceptable forms of physician-industry relationship.