OHSU

Clinical CoI

CLINICAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (COI) - FAQ

 

What is a Clinical CoI?

A clinical conflict of interest exists when clinicians (or their relative) have a financial interest in any entity that produces, manufactures, distributes, or sells a health care device, implant, pharmaceutical, or other health care related product recommended or prescribed for their patients.  The financial interests may compromise, or appear to compromise, the obligation to act in the patient's best interest. Because the appearance of a conflict may be as damaging to the public trust as an actual conflict, potential conflicts must be disclosed, evaluated, and managed with the same thoroughness as actual conflicts. One example of a clinical CoI would be if a clinician receives consulting income for a company that also manufactures a pharmaceutical product that he/she prescribes to his/her patients. 

 

Who is required to complete a Clinical CoI disclosure?

OHSU employees who provide clinical care to patients and can prescribe medications or therapy, such as Licensed Independent Practitioners must complete the annual CoI disclosure within the Big Brain CoI module.

 

What should be reported as a Clinical CoI?

Significant financial interests related to OHSU clinical activities, receipt of payment (of any amount) for outside activities with a Health Care Vendor, and other potential conflicts of interest as described on the disclosure form and in the glossary. The standard for these disclosures is “to the best of your knowledge”. There is no obligation to investigate or research your current business relationships or investments to discover interests of which you may not be currently aware.

 

When should a Clinical CoI be disclosed?

Big Brain will send out annual reminders so that the disclosure may be completed by the indicated due date.  If the responses to any of the questions change during the year, the form must be revised and resubmitted.

 

How do I complete the Clinical CoI disclosure?

  • Currrently, clinical CoIs resulting from outside activities should be disclosed using the CoI module in the  Big Brain education system. Other potential clinical CoIs should be disclosed to the appropriate supervisor for management as described in the policy.
  • If you experience any problems completing the on-line form, please contact the Integrity Office at 503-494-8849 (option 2).   

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