Improving the Understanding and Management of Conflicts of Interest Among Experts Advising on Public Health Decision-Making

Abstract

In Québec, in Canada and elsewhere in the world, expert advisory committees advise and guide government decision-makers in the choice of new drugs, vaccines to be used or interventions to be put in place. In parallel, these experts are receiving increasing support from private companies to conduct their research or to disseminate the results of their research. Such situations place them at risk of conflicts of interest and may eventually undermine confidence in public decision-making. This case study stimulates reflection into what constitutes sound and optimal management of conflict of interest situations by expert members and the organizations in which they have an advising role.