Heart Docs Dismiss Bias Claims Stemming From Industry Support Of Meeting
ProPublica: Heart Docs Reject Claims Of Bias From Industry MoneyDoctors said the heart society meeting was an important opportunity to learn about new research in their field and see new products on the market. Unlike in many other areas of medicine, they said, electrophysiologists work hand-in-hand with device company representatives to program implantable defibrillators and diagnose problems. Device company employees are in the operating room during procedures and come to the hospital to respond if a patient's defibrillator delivers a shock. ... Doctors said they were unconcerned by ProPublica's finding that the society, on several occasions, left out or downplayed information about the risks and limitations of cardiac devices and procedures. ... One society member who was not at the conference praised the Heart Rhythm Society on his blog for posting details of the money it receives from industry on its website so the public and media can examine it. Many professional groups don't offer such detailed information (Ornstein, 5/9). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
