Discuss 08.1: Case 79 – Conflict of Interest | HA4521D-Healthcare Management Capstone | National American University
The conflict of interest in this scenario was caused by the doctor’s personal relationship with a pharmaceutical company that manufactures medication for treating depression. As such, the doctor’s decision to prescribe drugs from this particular company could be seen as a biased judgement due to their vested interests. It is clear that this ethical issue must be addressed in order to prevent any harm or exploitation for patients seeking medical treatment.
Better communication would have helped to avoid this situation. It is important that all healthcare providers disclose their relationships with companies outside of the hospital before making recommendations. This will ensure transparency. Doctors should also take into account alternative treatment options and medications before making decisions, so that they do not limit themselves based on their personal preferences or allegiances. In the end, these steps will help to prevent any conflicts of interests and make sure that patients’ safety is paramount.