The International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) has stated its response to a report entitled 'Ghostwriting in Medical Literature' released by the office of US Senator Charles Grassley. The 31-page report deals with uniform disclosure of financial and editorial support and more specificity in acknowledging editorial assistance.
Released on June 24, 2010, the report highlighted Grassley's concern 'about the lack of transparency that exists in medical ghostwriting'. According to ISMPP, the report calls for more uniform disclosure of financial and editorial support in medical publications and more specificity in acknowledging editorial assistance. While lauding that, the organisation has also questioned some information in Grassley's report.
Cited as one weak point was the headline in the 'Findings' section of the report that read 'the role of pharmaceutical companies in medical publications remains veiled or undisclosed'. ISMPP noted that as evidence, the report references events that predate the global ethical standards that guide the development of medical publications today.
ISMPP has stated that it shares the Senator's goal of improving transparency in this field. It believes full disclosure and acknowledgment of all contributions to medical publications are essential elements of ethical publication practices that ultimately protect the health and safety of patients, and maintain the integrity of the profession.
Another weakness identified by the ISMPP was the absence of cornerstone guidances and codes of practice now in place, which were published and adopted since 2003. In addition, ISMPP officials noted that the report focuses on publications sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. It does not adequately address publications developed in academic settings, where some of the same issues of authorship and disclosure are apparent.
Search for more Case Studies/Industry study reports
Get customisable STM news alerts in your Mobile. Visit http://www.scopeknowledge.com/scoope.jar via your mobile browser to download the SCOOPE application
