E38: Conflict of Interest

Close-up of Lady Justice statue holding scales, symbolizing justice and fairness.

Course Overview

CE Hours

3 CE Credits

Course Description

Conflict of Interest examines the nature, sources, and management of conflicts of interest in research, clinical practice, and institutional settings. Drawing from foundational scholarship by Columbia University’s Center for Bioethics, this course covers the definition and types of conflicts of interest, intellectual bias and academic conflicts, clinical research conflicts including historical case studies, the impact of the Bayh-Dole Act on commercialism in science, federal conflict-of-interest regulations, IRB-level conflicts, and institutional conflicts of interest including the death of Jesse Gelsinger. Learners will develop the ability to identify, analyze, and make ethical recommendations in the conflict of interest area in health.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Define conflict of interest and distinguish between actual, apparent, and potential conflicts of interest
  2. Explain the distinction between intangible and tangible conflicts of interest
  3. Describe how intellectual bias and academic conflicts of interest can compromise research objectivity
  4. Identify the types of conflicts of interest that arise in clinical research settings including conflicts of commitment and conscience
  5. Explain the impact of the Bayh-Dole Act on the commercialization of academic research and the rise of financial conflicts of interest
  6. Describe the key components of the federal conflict-of-interest regulations enacted in 1995
  7. Identify the sources of conflicts of interest at the IRB level and describe strategies for managing them
  8. Explain the concept of institutional conflicts of interest using the Jesse Gelsinger case as an example
  9. Apply individual, IRB-level, and institutional strategies for managing, reducing, or eliminating conflicts of interest in health care and research settings

Course Format and Faculty

Course Format:

Online linked resources and lectures available anytime, 24/7. Includes one multiple-choice exam taken at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Upon passing, learners may print their certificate immediately.

Course Developers and Instructors:

R. Klimes, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University) is a scholar and author in health-related research, health behaviors, ethics, end-of-life care, and overall wellness. He has written numerous research reports and books and has held academic and leadership roles in higher education and public health internationally.

Course Time:

Approximately 3 hours for online study, test taking, course evaluation feedback, and certificate printing.