1. Scope and topics of codes of conduct
1.1. Combination of ethics and rules of behaviour
As already indicated, most codes of conduct contain both, an organisation’s ethics policy and rules of behaviour and practices. This is confirmed by the IFPMA Global Code Comparison survey: the number of member associations that integrated the IFPMA Ethos in their code was 42 out of the 46 respondents. This underlines the move away from a rules-based approach to a code based on ethical values and principles. This is also reflected in the EFPIA code.
The EFPIA code in its Preamble lists the
ethical principles and in Annex 2 gives examples. [The principles are
overarching, binding for all following rules of behaviour and applicable
towards all stakeholders]
(list with selected topics shown from both, Preamble and Annex 2):
PATIENTS ARE AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO. We aspire to ensure that everything we do will ultimately benefit patients.
- Work with stakeholders
including research communities to tackle healthcare challenges
- Work with stakeholders including research communities to tackle healthcare challenges
INTEGRITY, we interact in a responsible manner and aim to ensure that our communications with stakeholders are accurate, legitimate and balanced.
- Engage with Healthcare Professionals (HCPs)/Healthcare Organisations (HCOs)/Patient Organisations (POs) only when there is a legitimate need
- Take into consideration the role and responsibility of stakeholders with whom we interact to avoid conflicts of interest or improper influence
RESPECT. We interact with all our stakeholders with respect. We value the importance of independent decision-making by stakeholders, based on evidence and including patient interest. We follow applicable laws and make ethical judgements when processing Personal Health Data.
- Are conscious of the importance of providing accurate, fair and objective information about medicinal products so that rational decisions can be made about their appropriate use
- Promote an attitude and environment of mutual regard for other stakeholders, taking into account differences such as cultures, views and ways of working
TRANSPARENCY. In order, to continue to be successful, self-regulation needs to respond to the evolving demands of society. In particular, EFPIA recognises the growing expectation that interactions with society are not only conducted with integrity but are also transparent. We are open about our activities and interactions and encourage stakeholders to act with the same openness.
- Publish details of the Transfers of Value (ToV) made to HCPs and HCOs
- Publish details of financial support and significant non-financial support to POs
- Clearly indicate pharmaceutical company sponsorship of any material relating to medicinal products and their use