Extent, transparency and impact of industry funding for pelvic mesh research: a review of the literature (30 April 2024)

Summary

Conflicts of interest inherent in industry funding can bias medical research methods, outcomes, reporting and clinical applications. This study, published in Europe PMC, explored the extent of funding provided to American physician researchers studying surgical mesh used to treat uterine prolapse or stress urinary incontinence, and whether that funding was declared by researchers or influenced the ethical integrity of resulting publications in peer reviewed journals.

Authors conclude that journal editors' guidelines re declaring conflicts of interest are not being followed. Financial involvement of industry in mesh research is extensive, often undeclared, and may shape the quality of, and conclusions drawn, resulting in overstated benefit and overuse of pelvic mesh in clinical practice.

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