Impact of Conflict of Interest Policy on Medical Device Innovation

12.1.2009

SPEAKER: Bruce Gingles, Vice-President, Cook Medical, Incorporated; Global Business Leader, Cook Critical Care, a division of Cook Incorporated

MODERATOR: George C. Velmahos, MD, PhD, MSEd, John F. Burke Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital; CIMIT Program Leader, Trauma & Casualty Care

Video not available.

Forum Abstract

The discovery and application of technology to improve medical care are ethical imperatives. Discoveries and innovations are of value when they benefit patients. Levels of public and private funding for medical services and health research reflect their value to the patient, the payor, and society. Subordinating productive relationships between physicians and industry representatives to concerns of conflict of interest potentially puts patients at great risk and diminishes the value of medical services.

The United States is a leading innovator and producer of medical technology in a highly competitive global market. The medical device industry contributes positively to the US economy. Failure to recognize and apply beneficial technologies to patient care represents a loss of economic and altruistic opportunity, which leads to a loss of public trust in health care processes. This in turn may lead to the involuntary reduction of research and clinical resources.

Significant and safe innovation by either academia or industry in isolation is not possible; innovation, education and commercialization are interdependent and contribute to medical progress only when collaboration occurs.

 

Post a Comment