Pediatric Professional Medical Associations and Industry Guideline Compliance

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There has been an increasing focus on the relationship between pediatric prescribers and the biomedical industry. There is a lack of research, however, on the biomedical industry's relationship with the professional medical associations (PMAs) of pediatric prescribers. We developed a systematic method to assess this relationship by evaluating PMA transparency and compliance with a set of 2009 best practice guidelines (BPGs).METHODS: Nine PMAs rated as having the greatest influence on pediatric prescribers were examined. Two researchers independently coded publicly accessible information from the PMAs' Web sites for transparency and compliance with 36 BPG recommendations. Using the coded data, an industry relationship index (IRI) score was developed to systematize comparisons across PMAs. RESULTS:The PMAs demonstrated transparency and compliance with less than one-half of the 2009 BPGs (mean 6 SD: 30.2 6 15.6; range: 8-51 on the 66-point IRI scale). Two PMAs clustered in the high IRI (more transparent and compliant) group, 3 in the medium group, and 4 in the low group. There was no significant association of IRI group status and the PMAs' number of members or age. PMAs were least compliant with recommendations that prohibit or limit financial relationships with industry.CONCLUSIONS: PMAs with influence on pediatric prescribers have achieved only limited transparency and compliance with a set of 2009 BPGs, particularly with respect to financial separation from industry. Use of quantifiable standards of conduct facilitates comparisons between organizations and may enhance public trust in PMAs, preserving their ability to achieve organizational goals. WHAT'S KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT:There has been increasing legislative and regulatory focus on the relationships of pediatric prescribers and industry. Pediatric professional medical association (PMA) and industry relationships, however, are relatively unstudied and lack a systematic method of assessment. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:This cross-sectional study used a new quantitative scale, the industry relationship index, to systematically rate 9 pediatric PMAs with respect to best practice guidelines on interactions with the biomedical industry, revealing significant variation in PMA practices.

Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs Principles of Lifelong Learning in Pediatric Medicine

“…These changes have served most physician communities and the public well, although institutional adoption is varied and the financial impact has been negative to some organizations. [10][11][12][13][14] At the same time that substantial content improvement, organizational alignment, and conflict of interest improvements were occurring within ACGME, the ABMS expanded the content, requirements, and process of MOC. Starting with time-limited certification and then recertification, the ABMS boards mandated substantial new requirements within the ABMS Continuous Professional Development program 15,16 and over the last decade, additional requirements have been added by the 24 specialty boards within ABMS under the rebranded and expanded MOC program(s).…”

“…The effect of this criticism and movement led to systematic change in the CME accreditation process, terms of accepted content, and robust new disclosure requirements. These changes have served most physician communities and the public well, although institutional adoption is varied and the financial impact has been negative to some organizations . At the same time that substantial content improvement, organizational alignment, and conflict of interest improvements were occurring within ACGME, the ABMS expanded the content, requirements, and process of MOC.…”