A clinical researcher receives $3,200 per patient from a
drug company to enroll patients in a clinical trial of a new hypertension
medication. The money covers patient care costs and administrative costs for
the duration of the study and includes a $200 fi nder’s fee. After the initial
screening and enrollment, patients will make a total of eleven 15-minute offi
ce visits during the study. At each visit, nurses will take blood, record vital
signs, and ask them questions about their hypertension. The clinician will do a
physical exam. • Is this fi nancial arrangement a COI or apparent COI? • Should
it be prohibited? • During the informed consent process, should patients be
told about the clinician’s fi nancial interests?
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