Patient views on financial relationships between surgeons and surgical device manufacturers

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Surgery Vol. 58; no. 5; pp. 323 - 329
• Main Authors: Camp, Mark W., MD, MSc, Gross, Allan E., MD, McKneally, Martin F., MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French; English
• Published: Canada Joule Inc 01.10.2015; CMA Impact, Inc; 8872147 Canada Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Canada; Conflict of Interest; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; International economic relations; Male; Manufacturers; Manufacturing Industry; Medical equipment; Medical equipment industry; Middle Aged; Patients; Qualitative Research; Social aspects; Studies; Surgeons; Surgeons - ethics; Surgery; Surgical Equipment; Truth Disclosure - ethics; Canada; United States; Ontario
• ISSN: 0008-428X; 1488-2310
• DOI: 10.1503/cjs.000815

Background Over the past decade, revelations of inappropriate financial relationships between surgeons and surgical device manufacturers have challenged the presumption that surgeons can collaborate with surgical device manufacturers without damaging public trust in the surgical profession. We explored postoperative Canadian patients’ knowledge and opinions about financial relationships between surgeons and surgical device manufacturers. Methods This complex issue was explored using qualitative methods. We conducted semistructured face-to-face interviews with postoperative patients in follow-up arthroplasty clinics at an academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed. Patient-derived concepts and themes were uncovered. Results We interviewed 33 patients. Five major themes emerged: 1) many patients are unaware of the existence of financial relationships between surgeons and surgical device manufacturers; 2) patients approve of financial relationships that support innovation and research but are opposed to relationships that involve financial incentives that benefit only the surgeon and the manufacturer; 3) patients do not support disclosure of financial relationships during the consent process as it may shift focus away from the more important risks; 4) patients support oversight at the professional level but reject the idea of government involvement in oversight; and 5) patients entrust their surgeons to make appropriate patient-centred choices. Conclusion This qualitative study deepens our understanding of financial relationships between surgeons and industry. Patients support relationships with industry that provide potential benefit to current or future patients. They trust our ability to self-regulate. Disclosure combined with appropriate oversight will strengthen public trust in professional collaboration with industry.