Ethics

Canadian Consensus Framework For Ethical Collaboration

Ethics that work across the whole health system. A shared framework co-developed with Canada’s leading patient, healthcare and industry organizations to guide collaboration at every level.

Innovative Medicines Canada used its Code of Ethical Practices as we worked with partners to build the Canadian Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration. The Framework is a collective solution endorsed by the Best Medicines Coalition, Health Charities Coalition of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Innovative Medicines Canada.

We are committed to ensuring that relationships among patients, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical sector are based on ethical and responsible decision-making. The Framework guides individuals and organizations about activities such as clinical trials, continuing health education, conferences, accountability and funding. It is founded on four overarching principles:

Ensure patients’ best interests are at the core of our activities.
Promote transparent and accountable conduct.
Set clear rules on gifts, funding and conferences, continuing health education and clinical research.
Guide national ethical leadership.

Our goals for the Framework

The Framework aims to improve relationships. Similar to our goals with Innovative Medicines Canada’s Code of Ethical Practices, we expect the Framework to encourage better dialogue, trust and respect among patient organizations, healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry.

We also aim to improve public confidence in the healthcare institutions that protect the well-being of Canadians. We designed the Framework to help create an environment where patient organizations, health care professionals and industry can have authentic discussions about improving patient outcomes.

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