The relationship between physicians and the biomedical industries: advice from the Royal College of Physicians

The relationship between a physician and a biomedical firm is often important, and can be useful to both parties. However, there is a danger that the substantial resources available to a biomedical firm might sometimes be used to interfere with a physician's independent professional judgment. For the reputation and good conduct of the profession and the industry, and for the welfare of patients, it is essential that this does not happen. Total absence of communication would prejudice the undoubted good which collaboration can achieve. This paper sets out what the Royal College of Physicians currently believes are appropriate boundaries: to the acceptance of gifts; to sponsorships and subsidies for meetings; to the conduct of meetings with industry representatives; and other matters. We believe that clearly stated guidance will benefit the biomedical industry and physicians alike.