gms | German Medical Science

Background: A new methodological challenge in guideline development is the management of conflicts of interests (COIs) of guideline panellists to avoid bias. It seems uncontroversial that at least financial COIs need to be assessed and made transparent in guidelines. Uncertainty raises from different operational definitions of non-financial or intellectual COIs. A controversial question is how to critically appraise the possible impact of COIs and to decide about the strategy of managing them.

Objective: This workshop aims to introduce and clarify methodological challenges in appraising financial and intellectual COIs and finding adequate management strategies.

Target group: All persons involved in guideline development might be interested.

Description of the workshop and of the methods used to facilitate interactions: In this workshop we first introduce the six criteria for the evaluation of the strength of COIs published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009:

1.

Likelihood of undue influence with sub criteria

1.1 value of the secondary interest,

1.2 scope of conflict,

1.3 extent of discretion and

2.

Seriousness of possible harm with sub criteria

2.1 value of the primary interest,

2.2 scope of consequences,

2.3 extent of accountability.

Second, we present two hypothetical case examples reflecting typical situations of COI appraisal for guideline panellists. In a moderated group discussion the workshop participants shall 'solve' the 2 case examples by employing the six IOM criteria.

Additionally, case examples presented by workshop participants may be discussed. Methodological opportunities as well as limitations in applying the IOM criteria will be noted during the discussion.