I particularly like this note, from a reader who sent in her solution to the case study I posted earlier:
As a CME provider, I believe we have a role and an obligation to educate the commercial supporters and their agents in the practice of CME. Our industry has come under fire during the past few years and while it is certainly safer to avoid situations like the case that was outlined, I think we can play a role by developing and adhering to good policies; I would venture to say that we have an duty to educate the other constituents in the industry.
This way the MedCom learns and so will the commercial supporter about what is and what is not accepted practice (grant money cannot have contingencies). As long as everyone embraces the rules, we can continue to have quality CME activities that will ultimately enhance practitioners' knowledge base and improve the quality of patient care.
I couldn't agree more. The more everyone who "touches" CME knows about what is and is not appropriate, the better off we all will be. And I can stop writing about all the bad press we get, which would be a nice change of pace!
