University of Iowa News Release

Nov. 3, 2009

UI Health Care provides conflict of interest information online to public

Information about potential conflicts of interest among University of Iowa Health Care faculty and staff is available to the public on a new Web site -- http://www.uihealthcare.com/about/conflictofinterest/ -- that became operational last weekend.

Leaders of UI Health Care say the new disclosure system adds transparency to the process for the public. Making the disclosure process open and accessible demonstrates that faculty and staff are complying with the Conflict of Interest Policy.

"Decision-making about the core missions of UI Health Care -- patient care, educational programming and research activities -- should be unfettered by relationships with industry, and the conduct of UI Health Care employees and trainees should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest," said Jean Robillard, M.D., vice president for medical affairs. "Patients should be confident that decisions regarding their care are not influenced by the self-interest of their health care providers."

More than 99 percent of faculty and staff have submitted disclosure forms. Only four percent have reported potential conflicts of interest. Management plans to address those potential conflicts of interest are either under development or have been completed and placed in each individual's personnel file.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Health Care, 200 Hawkins Drive, Room E110 GH, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1009

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Moore, 319-356-3945, thomas-moore@uiowa.edu