Conflicts of interest among dermatology textbook authors

Abstract

BackgroundConflict of interest as it relates to medical education is a burgeoning topic of concern. Dermatology textbooks are an influential resource for dermatologists. This study evaluates industry payments to authors of major dermatology textbooks.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether authors of dermatology textbooks had appreciable conflicts of interest in the form of payments from industry.MethodsThis is a retrospective study in which the authors and editors of eight commonly used general dermatology textbooks were entered into the ProPublica Dollars for Docs database to identify industry payments data from 2016.ResultsThe total compensation for 381 authors in 2016 was $5,892,221. Zero payments were reported for 39.6% of authors. Of the dermatologists, 50%, 66%, 70%, and 81% received less than $100, $500, $1000, and $5000, respectively. The top 10% of dermatologists who collected payments received $5,267,494, which represented 89% of the total payment amount.LimitationsThe study was limited to eight textbooks. Data are only as accurate as reported to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The database does not include information on dermatologists from non-U.S. institutions. Funding for clinical trials and other avenues of support (e.g., lasers, cosmetic instruments, institutional payments) are also not captured in this database.ConclusionA minority of authors of influential dermatology textbooks received the lion’s share of payments from industry.

Conflicts of Interest in “Throwaway” Dermatology Publications: Analysis of the Open Payments Database

“…A further 88.8% (414/466) of physicians in this study received payments from industry. This was higher than the percentage reported for dermatology textbook authors [ 6 ] (54.0%) and the 73.3% and 86% reported in the studies by Feng et al [ 4 ] and Checketts et al [ 23 ], respectively.…”

The “throwaways”. Conflicts of interest in dermatology publications

“…In contrast, the median payment amount for one of the peer-reviewed journals ($146,159.48, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD)) was 11 times greater than the next highest median payment for peer-reviewed journals ($12,526.52, Journal of respectively. 4,6,23 Historically, collaboration between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry has resulted in innovations and advancements in medicine. When conducted properly, the relationship between physicians and industry serves to advance the field of medicine as a whole with the ultimate goal of the lives of patients.…”

“…This was higher than the percentage reported for dermatology textbook authors (54%) and the percentages reported in the studies by Feng et al and Checketts et al, 73.3% and 86% respectively. 4,6,23…”

“…4 Previous studies have examined conflicts of interests among authors of dermatology textbooks, dermatology patient advocacy organizations, dermatology clinical practice guideline authors, and clinical trials in dermatology. [5][6][7][8][9] Under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, a part of the Affordable Care Act, payments and other transfers of value by manufacturers and grouppurchasing organizations to physicians are reported to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These payments are reported in categories including consulting, speaking fees, food, travel, and research.…”