Ethics and pharmaceutical medicine - the full report of the Ethical Issues Committee of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK

Abstract

The practice of pharmaceutical medicine brings with it ethical challenges and dilemmas often very different from those encountered in the practice of clinical medicine. Having established a framework of guiding ethical principles, this report aims to look in some detail at specific areas of possible ethical concern to pharmaceutical physicians, offering practical advice and guidance on good practice. The report covers issues related to pharmaceutical research, including dissemination of research findings, communication with other health professionals and patients and involvement of pharmaceutical physicians and companies in the provision of patient services. The primacy of the interests of patients and the wider public is emphasised, and the possible impact of new developments in pharmaceutical technology is explored. It is hoped that the report will help those working in pharmaceutical medicine and act as a stimulus for wider discussion and debate.

How can insulin initiation delivery in a dual-sector health system be optimised? A qualitative study on healthcare professionals’ views

“…However, some regulations are needed to prevent undue influence from the pharmaceutical companies. Some countries have put in place processes, such as the review and management of research, industry codes of conduct, community responses and guidelines by practitioner associations, to protect the interests of individual patients and community interests [35-38]. This may also help to foster research and the development of new products, maintain public confidence in pharmaceuticals and medicine, and facilitate ethical decision making among various stakeholders [35,39,40].…”

A reply: Ethics and Pharmaceutical Medicine

“…The document concentrates on the roles and responsibilities of the pharmaceutical physicians rather than the environments in which they work, and we believe that access to information falls into the latter, rather than the former, category. We accept fully, however, that full access to information is essential, and this is enshrined in ICH GCP guidelines, which ‘Ethics and Pharmaceutical Medicine’ strongly supports (1).…”

Relationships between health professionals and industry: maintaining a delicate balance

“…22,23 Among these are the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) 24 , the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 25 , and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. 26 …”