Physician conflicts of interest created by industry-sponsored clinical trials may influence multiple sclerosis patients' decision to participate in them, according to a recent study published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal.
Physicians who help conduct industry-sponsored clinical trials often engage in financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies that create potential conflicts of interest. Researchers sought to determine the effects of disclosure on patients and patient participation because disclosure of physician conflicts of interest in industry-sponsored clinical trials is not a uniform requirement of consent and documentation..
Researchers conducted an anonymous online survey of nearly 600 MS patients, some who had participated in an industry-sponsored clinical trial and some who had not. The survey showed potential participants value detailed disclosure of possible conflicts of interest because these conflicts may influence their willingness to participate.
Authors of the study called for uniform disclosure guidelines to be enforced for prospective research participants.
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