@article{f377a6157b524939a3c2d210566be03d,
title = "Gifts to Physicians from the Pharmaceutical Industry: An Ethical Analysis",
abstract = "Gifts to physicians by the pharmaceutical industry pose numerous ethical questions. Although individual patients and physicians may benefit financially and educationally from certain gifts, the risk of bias resulting from such gifts makes them ethically challenging. After a brief description of the nature and scope of the practice of gift giving, this article examines major arguments for and against this practice. We then review the development of guidelines by professional societies, trade organizations, and government agencies. We conclude with a list of summary recommendations designed to help individual physicians, educators, and administrators engage in careful reflection and analysis and make sound ethical decisions about acceptance of gifts.",
author = "Marco, {Catherine A.} and Moskop, {John C.} and Solomon, {Robert C.} and Geiderman, {Joel M.} and Larkin, {Gregory L.}",
note = "Funding Information: Industry spokesmen assert that their companies{\textquoteright} goals are to improve patient care, to earn the good will of professionals, and to make physicians more knowledgeable about their products, thereby increasing sales. 31–33 These spokesmen argue that groups such as the ACCME and the US Food and Drug Administration ensure that continuing medical education programs remain independent and unbiased despite major financial support from industry. Several recent commentators, however, have been sharply critical of the persistent influence of industry on continuing medical education. Relman 34 emphasizes the role of for-profit intermediaries, so-called medical education and communication companies. With funding from the pharmaceutical industry, medical education and communication companies plan continuing medical education programs and recruit and pay the “expert” speakers; they also routinely prepare conference materials and even advertise conferences. Though these conferences may have the appearance of objectivity, medical education and communication companies often tailor their content to serve the interests of their industry sponsors. ",
year = "2006",
month = nov,
doi = "10.1016/j.annemergmed.2005.12.013",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "48",
pages = "513--521",
journal = "Annals of Emergency Medicine",
issn = "0196-0644",
publisher = "Elsevier Inc.",
number = "5",
}