What is a major risk associated with failing to address conflicts of interest?

When conflicts of interest are not properly addressed, one significant risk is the endangerment of human safety. Conflicts of interest can lead to compromised decision-making, where individuals may prioritize personal or financial interests over the welfare of patients or the integrity of research. For instance, if a healthcare professional or researcher has a financial tie to a specific treatment, they may promote it despite having evidence suggesting it is unsafe or ineffective. This situation can directly impact patient outcomes and safety, as decisions might be misaligned with best practices, minimizing the priority that should be given to patient health.

Addressing conflicts of interest is crucial for ensuring that decisions made within healthcare settings or research do not compromise safety protocols and ethical standards. Recognizing and managing these conflicts helps maintain trust in healthcare systems and the validity of research, ultimately protecting patients and ensuring that safety is prioritized over potential personal gain or bias.