cois

A conflict of interest refers to a situation in which an individual or organization has multiple interests, and a secondary interest could unduly influence professional judgment or actions regarding a primary interest such as research integrity, patient care, or policy decisions. COIs are not inherently unethical, but they raise concerns about impartiality and trust.

Common contexts include research and academia, healthcare, journalism, business, and government. Conflicts can be financial (ownership, consulting fees, gifts, stock), non-financial (personal relationships, career advancement, ideological commitments), or a combination. They can be direct or indirect, and they may be actual or merely perceived.

Examples include a researcher funded by a company to study that company’s product; a physician who owns stock in a pharmaceutical firm evaluating that firm’s trial results; a journalist who receives undisclosed gifts from a source; or a policymaker who consults for an industry while drafting related regulations.

The impact of COIs includes biased reporting or decision-making, erosion of public trust, and potential legal or regulatory consequences. Institutions address COIs through disclosure requirements, recusal from certain decisions, independent oversight, and formal conflict of interest policies.

Management strategies emphasize early identification, transparent disclosure of relevant interests, and the creation of plans to mitigate risk. When necessary, individuals may be removed from specific duties or decisions. While disclosure alone does not eliminate bias, it enables others to assess and manage potential influence.

Policies on conflicts of interest vary by sector but typically share core elements: clear definitions, duties of disclosure, enforcement mechanisms, and ongoing monitoring. Journals, funding bodies, and professional associations publish guidance to promote accountability, integrity, and public confidence in professional activities.