Code of Conduct - Question & Answers

4a. Continuing Health Education - November 2005
 
Question 1:
Since the new version of the Code of Conduct doesn't have a Train-the-Trainer Section, would your response to a previous question from last March (Q1) be different today? Can a company pay Doctors for training? Since the Code is clear that when it has to do with Continuing Education, only moderators and speakers can receive honorariums. The participants can't receive any. Aren't we creating another problem here?

Response:
New guidelines regarding Train-the-Trainer activities are under discussion and may be included in the next version of the Code. In the meantime, the spirit and the letter of the Code must be respected and therefore be reflected in various activities. Measures must be put in place to ensure the conformity and respect of the Code. In the absence of criteria and precise guidelines, it is recommended to act within the spirit of the Code.

Question 2:
Can you clarify something for me from the RX&D Marketing Code? I have been asked by the Executive of our Society to determine if the Code allows Pharmaceuticals to provide grants for Residents to travel to CHE events.
Alternately, if we, as a RCPSC accredited CHE provider, develop a CHE event and ask for pharmaceutical support for the event in the form of ‘unrestricted educational grants', are we free to use some of the funds to cover the cost of Residents to attend the event?
While I don't see Residents referred to directly in the Code I do see the phrase “healthcare practitioners”. Can you confirm whether the Code considers Residents as practitioners?
In terms of grants relative to CHE events, see only 4A.3.5 which indicates that grants and honoraria can be provided to healthcare practitioners who speak at or moderate CHE programs. There is no reference to travel grants. Does this mean that travel grants are disallowed under the code, including such grants to Residents?

Response:
Medical residents are specialists' health care professionals in training. Consequently, the prohibition against subsidization of travel and accommodation expenses for events within Canada also applies to them. Please see Section 4A 3.5 of the Code of Conduct.
Funds provided by member companies are to be used for such purposes as program development, preparation of necessary educational materials. Technological resources, etc…It is the responsibility and obligation of each Rx&D member to inform grants recipients of the ways in which their funds can be used appropriately.