1. Multi-choice

Question

You are the Principle Investigator of a study that looks at the effectiveness of herbal supplement X in relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis compared to ibuprofen (a conventional pain medication).

Your study is sponsored by pharmaceutical company A which manufactures herbal supplement X.

Which of the following is least likely to require disclosure as a conflict of interests (COI)? (Choose one answer only)

Answers

Option 1

You receive consulting fees from pharmaceutical company A for being its scientific advisor.

Option 2

Your spouse is a retailer of herbal products. One of the products (s)he sells is herbal supplement X.

Option 3

Your mother is currently using herbal supplement Y (which contains similar ingredients to supplement X) for her painful knees.

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Correct. Compared to the other options, option C is least likely to constitute a COI.

Re. A Receiving consulting fees, donations, gifts, honoraria or any form of personal payment from the manufacturer of an investigational product would be regarded as a financial COI.

Re. B Close personal relationships with those who have financial interests in your study could lead to a conflict of interests / obligations (duties as a spouse vs. duties as a researcher).

Re. C It is unlikely that you would need to declare this as a COI unless you think that it has affected or will affect your objectivity in conducting your study.

Solution

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