Maharaj S V M
Int J Occup Environ Health. 2015;21(1):49-52. doi: 10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000097.
There is a large and consistent body of evidence showing that research sponsored by for-profit industries tends to have pro-industry conclusions in comparison with similar research or re-analyses not funded by industry. Disclosure of financial conflicts via statements is presently the standard method for notification of potential biases. However, many journals are not consistent in publishing financial conflicts of interest (FCoI) statements. Furthermore, even when divulged, disclosure merely shifts the burden of evaluating conflicts to readers and the general public. Moreover, there has been an absence of a means of quantifying FCoI.
To propose a solution for the question: What are we doing about FCoI that continue to compromise the integrity of the scientific enterprise?
The FCoI Scale was developed for scoring and comparing FCoI and describing potential biases.
The FCoI Scale consists of a score that may be expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions, correlated to descriptive terms for potential biases and examples of financial conflicts at 11 levels.
The FCoI score (FCoIS) provides a means for a more uniform and concise method of disclosure compared to statements, while at the same time permitting flexibility. It encourages the disclosure of relevant information and transparency in the reporting of financial conflicts. The FCoI Scale has the potential to become the standard basis for measuring, reporting, and comparing financial conflicts, suitable for disciplines in science, medicine, and beyond.
大量且一致的证据表明，与非行业资助的类似研究或重新分析相比，营利性行业资助的研究往往得出有利于行业的结论。通过声明披露财务冲突目前是通知潜在偏见的标准方法。然而，许多期刊在发表利益冲突（FCoI）声明方面并不一致。此外，即使披露了，披露也只是将评估冲突的负担转移给读者和公众。而且，一直缺乏量化FCoI的方法。
针对“我们如何应对持续损害科学事业诚信的FCoI问题”提出解决方案。
开发FCoI量表用于对FCoI进行评分和比较，并描述潜在偏见。
FCoI量表由一个可以用整数和小数表示的分数组成，与11个级别的潜在偏见描述术语和财务冲突示例相关。
与声明相比，FCoI分数（FCoIS）提供了一种更统一、简洁的披露方法，同时允许灵活性。它鼓励在财务冲突报告中披露相关信息和保持透明度。FCoI量表有可能成为衡量、报告和比较财务冲突的标准基础，适用于科学、医学及其他学科。
