Code of Conduct - Question & Answers

11. Service Oriented Items - September 2005
 
Question 1:
In the administration of a therapy to a patient which has radioactive principles, there are certain components that are required in order to ensure safe preparation and administration of the drug. These components include various infusion pumps and shields to ensure unnecessary radiation exposure of healthcare workers. Can these items, which are vital to the proper administration of the drug for the health of the patient and safety of the HCP, be provided as 'starter kits' to relevant clinics/medical departments which will be utilising this form of therapy? Would these items be classified as appropriate service oriented items?

Response:
As stated in your question, Section 11 of the Code of Conduct is the relevant section for “Service Oriented Items”. It stipulates “member companies must not distribute service-oriented items (…) which cannot be justified if subjected to scrutiny by members of the health professions and the public.” In August 2002, a “Code Information Bulletin”, which appears at page 24 of the Code, includes a list of service-oriented items, which were consistently ruled to be in contravention of the Code. “Acceptable Service Oriented Items are those whose primary goal is to enhance the health care professional's and patient's understanding on its treatment.