To the Editor: The perspective by Williams and colleagues,1 based on analysis of guidelines hosted on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) portal (http://www.clinicalguidelines. gov.au), highlights the need for a culture of transparency and disclosure to effectively manage conflicts of interest. With the current health reform agenda being dependent on the availability of clear and unbiased clinical guidance, the NHMRC continues to actively address this persisting challenge.
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- 1. Williams MJ, Kevat DAS, Loff B. Conflict of interest guidelines for clinical guidelines. Med J Aust 2011; 195: 442-445. <MJA full text>
- 2. National Health and Medical Research Council. Procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC standard for clinical practice guidelines. Melbourne: NHMRC, 2011. http://www. nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/ attachments/cp133_2011_nhmrc_standard.pdf (accessed Jan 2012).
No relevant disclosures.