title: Competing interests in healthcare: a conflict of quality. Part I: definition, background, and evidence.
abstract: This policy paper investigates whether physician conflicts of interest have an effect on physicians' quality of care and whether implementation of conflict-of-interest policies will ameliorate any negative effects of divergent interests. Some government regulations are discussed in a policymaking perspective. We also suggest that healthcare organizations establish specific policies guarding against potential negative outcomes related to conflicts of interest. At the pinnacle of the conflict-of-interest debate resides the patient. One of the most important effects of disclosure is providing patients with the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Research supports that conflicts of interest are inherent and oftentimes unavoidable in the healthcare setting.
authors: kellyfiack@yahoo.com
authors: Kelly J
authors: KJ
authors: Fiack
authors: Kenneth M
authors: KM
authors: Knapp
authors: Doohee
authors: D
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D016265:Conflict of Interest; D030881:Disclosure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States