How refreshing to see such a robust description of potential
conflicts of interest. At first I thought it was a satirical joke because
it was unlike anything I have seen before. But I realize, that Dr Sackett
is probably trying to accurately convey his potential conflicts.
In teaching EBM and critical appraisal, we frequently ask whether
there are potential conflicts of interest. Oftentimes there are, but it
is nearly impossible to determine to what degree they may conflict. For
example, in a drug trial, where all the investigators are on the speaker's
bureau or have received research funds from the manufacturer in
consideration doesn't tell me much. It would be quite different if one
receieved a speaking honoraria of $100 5 years ago than if one is paid
$10,000 a month as a consultant.
Maybe journal editors have visibility on the specifics of the
relationships, but rarely does the reader. I would like to see journals
describe their investigator's potential conflicts of interest in greater
detail.
Rapid Response:
Conflicts of interest delineated!
How refreshing to see such a robust description of potential
conflicts of interest. At first I thought it was a satirical joke because
it was unlike anything I have seen before. But I realize, that Dr Sackett
is probably trying to accurately convey his potential conflicts.
In teaching EBM and critical appraisal, we frequently ask whether
there are potential conflicts of interest. Oftentimes there are, but it
is nearly impossible to determine to what degree they may conflict. For
example, in a drug trial, where all the investigators are on the speaker's
bureau or have received research funds from the manufacturer in
consideration doesn't tell me much. It would be quite different if one
receieved a speaking honoraria of $100 5 years ago than if one is paid
$10,000 a month as a consultant.
Maybe journal editors have visibility on the specifics of the
relationships, but rarely does the reader. I would like to see journals
describe their investigator's potential conflicts of interest in greater
detail.
Competing interests: No competing interests