Consensus_Framework_for_Ethical_Collaboration-Q_As-vF

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Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration between
Patients’ Organisations, Healthcare Professionals and the
Pharmaceutical Industry
Questions & Answers
Q. Who are the Consensus Framework signatories?
A. The Consensus Framework is currently supported by the International Alliance for Patients’
Organizations (IAPO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Federation of
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), International Pharmaceutical Federation
(FIP) and the World Medical Association (WMA), as all partners have a mutual interest in ensuring
that the relationship between patients, healthcare professionals, the pharmaceutical sector, and
their organisations, is based on ethical and evidence-based decision making.
Q. Why was the Consensus Framework established?
A. All signatory partners have a common interest in delivering high-quality healthcare to patients
worldwide. The relationship between patients, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical
industry is necessary in order to provide best solutions to address patients’ health needs and the
most up-to-date information regarding medicines. It is vital that these relationships are conducted
with integrity and serve the best interests of patients. As each partner has a unique role and
responsibility in ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care, the Consensus
Framework was established to demonstrate the common commitment to professional integrity and
promote ethical interactions worldwide.
Q. What was the process for establishing the Consensus Framework?
A. Since 2011, the signatory partners have been meeting twice a year to discuss developments and
main challenges relating to professional interactions and communications about medicines.
Through dialogue and information exchange, it became evident that each institution’s code and
guidelines share some fundamental values. The group agreed to explore a way to collectively
highlight the commonalities and contribute to advancing ethical interactions. The Consensus
Framework was established to capture the shared values and build trust among partners and the
public by demonstrating the collective stance on appropriate interactions.
Q. What are some of the key components of the Consensus Framework?
A. The Consensus Framework is based on the shared values and principles represented in individual
codes and guidelines of each signatory partner. It highlights those values held by all partners and
the on-going commitment to protect and promote values such as transparency, respect, trust,
clear and independent information about health treatments.
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Q. What is the goal of the Consensus Framework and the envisioned impact?
A. As the healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving in developing and emerging countries, broader
and systematic challenges may have a negative impact on the interactions between the different
stakeholders. This is particularly concerning for sectors or countries where there is limited or non-
existing regulation and inappropriate enforcement, whether by self-regulation or government. The
Consensus Framework demonstrates that trust and integrity are essential in shaping relationships
between patients, healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry that truly serve the
best interest of patients. In this respect, each partner has a role to play. Although significant
progress has been made over the years in the area of ethical interactions between partners, and
various joint initiatives exist in some countries, additional efforts are needed to raise awareness of
the values embedded in appropriate interactions. The Consensus Framework demonstrates the
collaboration between all signatory partners in addressing key issues such as ethical interactions
and appropriate communications about medicines. This framework aims to serve as a model for
similar collective initiatives at national level which would complement individual guidelines,
policies and codes and lead to a better understanding among all stakeholders about common
values of interactions.
Q. Is the Consensus Framework binding?
A. The Consensus Framework is not a binding document and has no formal enforcement
mechanism. The framework does not intend to set new standards or override existing individual
codes and guidelines. Instead, it highlights and reinforces the existing commitments held by each
individual organization.
Q. Why is the Consensus Framework not more prescriptive?
A. The Consensus Framework is not a policy-setting document and does not replace existing
individual codes and guidelines. Instead, the Framework highlights and reinforces some
fundamental shared values between signatory partners to demonstrate the need for collective
action in ensuring appropriate practices related to interactions between patients, healthcare
professionals, the pharmaceutical industry and their respective organisations.
Q. Can other organizations endorse the Consensus Framework?
A. It is important that all parties in healthcare delivery operate under ethical standards and principles.
In this respect, the signatory partners hope and welcome other health institutions, such as hospital
associations and other pharmaceutical sectors, including domestic, generics, devices and
diagnostic producers, to endorse the Consensus Framework at the global level and work together
at the national level with all partners to implement high standards of practice. It is essential that all
parties commit to ethical conduct and interactions which uphold high standards and integrity to
ensure the well-being of patients.
January 2014