COI Quiz

1. In the scenario, “Promoting a Product, what safeguard would you include to ensure honest and transparent communication?

a. Ensure that you clearly identify yourself as a representative of your company
b.  Ensure that your communications improve the company’s reputation
c.  Provide a clinical recommendation
d.  All the above

 The best answer is (a). Dietitians should be transparent and clearly identify their role with the company. Answer (b) is not a safeguard for honest and transparent communication.  Answer (c), dietitians should avoid any perception that they are making a clinical recommendation in this scenario. Answer (d) is incorrect.

2. In the scenario, “Promoting a Product”, a reasonable person could question if your interest lies with the client, or with the company. From the list provided below, what should a dietitian do to avoid a conflict of interest?

a. Focus on self-interest ahead of client interest
b. Provide honest and transparent communication
c. Provide evidence-based information
d. Focus on client-interest ahead of self-interest
e. B, C, and D 

 
The best answer is (e). Honest, transparent, and evidence-based practice is necessary to  avoid conflict of interest.  Answer (a), is a concern – client interest should always be ahead of self-interest.

3. In the scenario, “Speaking Engagement”, what should a dietitian do to avoid a conflict of interest?

a. Communicate openly and honestly with the employer about the request
b. Decline the community agency’s request  
c. Provide the session without telling anyone

 
The best answer is (a). Notifying your employer of the speaking engagement allows you to   discuss and obtain approval for your participation. Answer (b) is not client centered without first exploring the options with your employer. Answer (c) is a concern since the competing personal interest would include an honorarium and using work time for the activities.

4. In the scenario, “Sponsored Conference”, what should a dietitian do to avoid a conflict of interest?

a. Use professional status to endorse the company and their products
b. Slant the presentation in a way to avoid upsetting the sponsor
c. Put the yogurt company’s logo on your handouts and in your slides
d. Provide a disclaimer that the opinions are your own and you have no connection to the sponsor

 
The best answer is (d). Disclosing that you have no connection to the sponsor provides a safeguard of transparency to ensure the nature of the relationship has been provided to the audience.  Answer (b) is not client centered or honest. Answer (c) is a concern since it can   create a perception that you are representing the company.

5. According to the Standards and Guidelines for Professional Practice: Conflict of Interest,  dietitians are responsible for identifying situations that are, or may lead to, conflict of interest.  RDs can identify a conflict of interest, using a “Am I in a Conflict of Interest” Framework (p.4), which includes:

a. The proper influence and professional judgment test
b. The professional judgment and irrational person test
c. The personal interest and professional judgment test

 
The best answer is (c). According to the Standards and Guidelines for Professional Practice Conflict of Interest, the Framework includes: The Personal Interest Test, The Professional Judgment   Test, The Improper Influence Test, and the Reasonable Person Test.