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Positions > Theme:

Transparency

Transparency means full disclosure of the interests — and conflicts of interest — that come into play at all levels of the healthcare system. Prescrire consistently calls for – and practices – full transparency.

Transparency and pharmacovigilance

If we are serious about improving pharmacovigilance, in the interest of public health, we must minimise the role of pharmaceutical companies, ensure public funding and above all guarantee true transparency.

Energy

In Europe, particularly in France, the principle of transparency of drug regulatory agencies has been enshrined in law. This represents a major advance for patients and for healthcare professionals. There may be a long delay before the law is fully applied, but energy and tenacity can guarantee that it will be implemented.

WHO: do as we say, not as we do

The World Health Organization is often considered the ultimate authority when it comes to healthcare issues. But unfortunately, WHO falls short of its reputation. The results of a recent survey are shocking, highlighting the fact that a guideline programme can only be credible when it uses explicit, transparent and systematic working procedures.

Clinical trials in France: too many unpublished results

All too often, clinical trial results remain unpublished, especially if they do not confirm the authors' premise. In the first nationwide survey of its kind in France, investigators found that, 6 to 8 years after their approval by an ethics committee, 62% of completed clinical research protocols had not been published. Increased transparency is crucial.

Prescrire's finances: total transparency

Funded entirely by subsribers and free from any conflicts of interest, Prescrire publishes its annual financial statements every March.

Medicines agencies and transparency

The obligation of transparency in the new European legislative framework on medicinal policy represents nothing short of a cultural revolution, secrecy having been so firmly anchored in the administrative mind-set.