The reporting of conflicts of interest in science and medicine in the scientific literature has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Failures to disclose conflicts of interest have become front page news, and a major embarrassment to publishers, editors, and professional societies.

These failures to disclose relevant relationships have stemmed in part from a lack of uniform definitions for conflicts of interest and confusion about what needs to be reported. Academic investigators operate under varying institutional rules, and many are unable to accurately describe their institutions’ policies.

This reading will discuss the importance to have common disclosure to handle different issues related to definitions of conflicts of interest, reporting requirements, and promises to publish.

Click to Download ‘A Common Standard for Conflict of Interest Disclosure’ for brief reading and better understanding.