Contact Information: CONTACT INFORMATION: Jordan Stone 919-433-0376
Cutting Edge Information Investigates Pharma's Stance on ACCME's Proposition to Create Commercial Support Free(TM) CME Programs
| Source: Cutting Edge Information
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - May 21, 2009) - The ACCME is asking for public
feedback as it mulls over a new policy that would give a special
accreditation to "Commercial Support Free™" CME programs. Also in
consideration is a new policy to distinguish CME programs that use
"Promotional Teacher and Author-Free™" educators. Those interested in
submitting comments regarding either topic have until May 21. They can
access the forms online at http://www.accme.org/.
The recent backlash spawning from the pharmaceutical industry's ties to
education and research has not gone unnoticed by the ACCME. Big pharma is
also listening. According to Cutting Edge Information's latest thought
leader report "Key Opinion Leaders: Relationship Management and
Segmentation Data" (http://www.PharmaOpinionLeaders.com), companies are
already having difficulties justifying the cost associated with supporting
CME. Adding this new accreditation would go one step further toward
vilifying industry-sponsored CME.
"The implication of the Commercial Support Free™ designation is the
desire to create CME programs that are not 'compromised' by industry
funding for physicians who feel that pharma exerts undue influence on CME,"
said Jordan Stone, research analyst at Cutting Edge Information and the
report's lead author.
"This initiative, along with recent policy changes by the ACCME, will soon
have pharma companies believing that the programs they fund are commanding
less attention, or are being cast as a secondary option. These negative
perceptions could cause companies to move their money to a more hospitable
environment," continued Mr. Stone.
Cutting Edge Information's research suggests that the ACCME should either
welcome industry sponsorship or deny it completely. Offering a new,
prestigious level of CME is a passive way of eliminating corporate
sponsorship altogether. The ACCME needs to have open dialogue with all
stakeholders involved with CME, and engaging public opinion before any
votes are cast is one avenue to accomplish this.
"Key Opinion Leaders: Relationship Management and Segmentation Data"
provides detailed recommendations to aid companies' thought leader
management strategies and help them adapt to the ever-changing regulatory
landscape.
A complimentary brochure is available for download at
http://www.PharmaOpinionLeaders.com.