He said established ethical norms dictate that we assess these circumstances using both a subjective test and objective test. Subjectively, would this conflict affect your recommendations and/or care for this patient? Objectively, would a reasonable person believe that this conflict would affect your recommendations and/or care for this patient?
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June 2007
Ethically, we must also scrutinize the potential conflict using the sunshine test, Dr. Liang said. Would you want this financial or other arrangement known by your patients and/or published in your local newspaper?
Finally, he warned physicians about the slime factor, noting that slime slips and slides with you the rest of your life, and if you take advantage of a temporary financial benefit that represents a conflict, that’s what you’ll be known for the rest of your life.
©2007 The Triological Society
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