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							<p>Conflicts of interest should be reported when they arise. If, two weeks after you agreed to review a paper for publication, you assume a new responsibility that might influence your impartiality, you should notify the person who asked you to do the review.</p>
							<p>Conflict of interest reporting is not a once-a-year activity. It is something you need to consider every time you assume a new responsibility.</p>
							
							<instructional-text><p>The following activity takes you through a few months in the life of a researcher studying ways to reduce the impact of plastic bottles on the environment. Your role is to provide the researcher with advice on conflict of interest reporting and management. To do so, select the response that you feel is most appropriate at each stage.</p></instructional-text>
							<instructional-text-accessible><p>The following activity takes you through a few months in the life of a researcher studying ways to reduce the impact of plastic bottles on the environment. Your role is to provide the researcher with advice on conflict of interest reporting and management. To do so, select the response that you feel is most appropriate at each stage.</p></instructional-text-accessible>
							
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							<!-- ACTIVITY START -->
							<process restart="true" score="true" variant="mcq" class="hide-in-mobile" show-in-accessible-version="false">
								<process-page>
									<mcq>
										<mcq-question><p><strong>Plastic-bottle researcher (PBR):</strong> <em>"I just received a message telling me that my annual conflict of interest declaration is due at the end of the week. I didn't think I had any interests to report, but apparently I have to submit the declaration even though I have no information to share. Do you have any advice on what I should do?"</em></p></mcq-question>
										<mcq-options>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"You should probably set up an appointment to talk with someone in the research office."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>You could send your colleague to someone else for advice &ndash; in complicated cases, this might be a good idea. However, this seems to be a simple case and your colleague has asked you for advice. Assuming you want to help, starting with the CV is a good idea.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"Why not check with the Head of Department so you can follow what others do?"</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>You could send your colleague to someone else for advice &ndash; in complicated cases, this might be a good idea. However, this seems to be a simple case and your colleague has asked you for advice. Assuming you want to help, starting with the CV is a good idea.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option correct>
												<mcq-answer>"Sure, let's look at your CV to see if you have anything that should be reported."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>You could send your colleague to someone else for advice &ndash; in complicated cases, this might be a good idea. However, this seems to be a simple case and your colleague has asked you for advice. Assuming you want to help, starting with the CV is a good idea.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
										</mcq-options>
									</mcq>
								</process-page>
								<process-page>
									<mcq>
										<mcq-question>
											<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"Sure, here's my CV &ndash; I've just updated it. You can see that my research life is not complicated. I have a small government grant to study the lifecycle of plastic bottles. Alongside that, I have agreed to provide advice to a local group, Community Recycle (CR) &ndash; in exchange, they are helping me recruit some of the households I intend to study. Also, I was paid to present a talk on my work at the annual meeting of the Plastic Bottle Manufacturers Association (PBMA).</em></p>
											<p><em>"I am certainly not going to get rich from this work. Do I have to report any of it?"</em></p>
										</mcq-question>
										<mcq-options>
											<mcq-option correct>
												<mcq-answer>"Yes."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>Based on what you learned in this module, as well as your knowledge of your institutional and national requirements, you should be able to provide some advice. Reporting requirements vary from institution to institution. If there is a reporting threshold (e.g. &pound;50), financial interests below this level might not need to be reported. If there is no firm financial threshold, then it must be remembered that the researcher is benefitting financially from the talk given at the PBMA annual meeting and is also getting valuable assistance from CR. If this is the case, both activities should be reported. If there is any uncertainty, it is best to report anything that might present a conflict of interest.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"No."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>Based on what you learned in this module, as well as your knowledge of your institutional and national requirements, you should be able to provide some advice. Reporting requirements vary from institution to institution. If there is a reporting threshold (e.g. &pound;50), financial interests below this level might not need to be reported. If there is no firm financial threshold, then it must be remembered that the researcher is benefitting financially from the talk given at the PBMA annual meeting and is also getting valuable assistance from CR. If this is the case, both activities should be reported. If there is any uncertainty, it is best to report anything that might present a conflict of interest.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"I am not sure. Maybe you should check with someone else."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>Based on what you learned in this module, as well as your knowledge of your institutional and national requirements, you should be able to provide some advice. Reporting requirements vary from institution to institution. If there is a reporting threshold (e.g. &pound;50), financial interests below this level might not need to be reported. If there is no firm financial threshold, then it must be remembered that the researcher is benefitting financially from the talk given at the PBMA annual meeting and is also getting valuable assistance from CR. If this is the case, both activities should be reported. If there is any uncertainty, it is best to report anything that might present a conflict of interest.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
										</mcq-options>
									</mcq>
								</process-page>
								<process-page>
									<mcq>
										<mcq-question>
											<p><em>A month later...</em></p>
											<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"I have another conflict of interest question. PBMA was impressed with my talk and the work I am doing. They have asked me if I could join their new Task Force looking into the responsible use of plastic bottles. I know this organisation has its critics, but I think they are willing to take steps to reduce the impact of plastic bottles on the environment. As in the past, my travel for meetings will be covered; they are also offering a small honorarium in exchange for my serving on the Task Force. I am confident that this work will not impact my research or the advice I provide CR. However, I am concerned that they might not want to continue working with someone who is paid by PBMA. If I do not let either role influence the advice I provide, do I still have to tell CR about the Task Force work?"</em></p>
										</mcq-question>
										<mcq-options>
											<mcq-option correct>
												<mcq-answer>"Yes."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>In situations such as this, transparency is essential. The PBR's new interests with PBMA may not have an influence, but CR should still be told so they can make an informed decision about whether to continue the collaborative relationship. </p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"No."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>In situations such as this, transparency is essential. The PBR's new interests with PBMA may not have an influence, but CR should still be told so they can make an informed decision about whether to continue the collaborative relationship. </p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"I am not sure. Maybe you should check with someone else."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>In situations such as this, transparency is essential. The PBR's new interests with PBMA may not have an influence, but CR should still be told so they can make an informed decision about whether to continue the collaborative relationship. </p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
										</mcq-options>
									</mcq>
								</process-page>
								<process-page>
									<mcq>
										<mcq-question>
											<p><em>A few months later...</em></p>
											<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"When I asked you for advice a few months ago, I didn't realise how complicated interests can be.  It turns out that some of the volunteers at CR are working with another research group that is pursuing much the same line of research as I am. In fact, it is so similar that I have been asked to review the other group's latest grant proposal, which they are sending to the agency that funded my work. Since I know the strengths and weaknesses of CR as a collaborator, I can probably provide the most informed feedback on this project; however, I'm afraid the funding agency will disqualify me based on apparent conflicts of interest. Do I have to tell the funding agency about my work with CR?"</em></p>
										</mcq-question>
										<mcq-options>
											<mcq-option correct>
												<mcq-answer>"Yes."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>The PBR should inform the funding agency about the relationship with CR. The funding agency can then take this information into consideration when it assigns reviewers and evaluates their comments. Finding out after the fact that the review process could have been influenced by improper conflicts of interest can damage the reputations of both you and the funding agency. </p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"No."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>The PBR should inform the funding agency about the relationship with CR. The funding agency can then take this information into consideration when it assigns reviewers and evaluates their comments. Finding out after the fact that the review process could have been influenced by improper conflicts of interest can damage the reputations of both you and the funding agency. </p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>"I am not sure. Maybe you should check with someone else."</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>The PBR should inform the funding agency about the relationship with CR. The funding agency can then take this information into consideration when it assigns reviewers and evaluates their comments. Finding out after the fact that the review process could have been influenced by improper conflicts of interest can damage the reputations of both you and the funding agency. </p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
										</mcq-options>
									</mcq>
								</process-page>
								<process-page>
									<mcq>
										<mcq-question>
											<p><em>Two months before the new conflict of interest reporting year begins...</em></p>
											<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"This time, rather than asking for advice, I would like to take you out to lunch as thanks for the advice you have provided over the past year. I couldn't have invited you out a year ago &ndash; as a new researcher, I don't have a great deal of money for entertaining colleagues. But we recently learned that a distant relative left my partner a thousand shares of stock in a soft drinks company. They pay a substantial dividend. I thought it would be nice to share the benefits with a colleague who has helped me through the past year. Care to join me?"</em></p>
										</mcq-question>
										<mcq-options>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>Accept the offer</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>It's fine to accept the offer, but it is worth using this as an opportunity to remind the PBR that they should update their conflict of interest statement to include their partner's newly acquired stock holdings. The point can be made that conflict of interest declarations must include the financial (and other) interests of close relatives.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option incorrect>
												<mcq-answer>Turn the offer down</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>It's fine to accept the offer, but it is worth using this as an opportunity to remind the PBR that they should update their conflict of interest statement to include their partner's newly acquired stock holdings. The point can be made that conflict of interest declarations must include the financial (and other) interests of close relatives.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
											<mcq-option correct>
												<mcq-answer>Accept the offer, but use this as an opportunity to provide further advice</mcq-answer>
												<mcq-feedback><p>It's fine to accept the offer, but it is worth using this as an opportunity to remind the PBR that they should update their conflict of interest statement to include their partner's newly acquired stock holdings. The point can be made that conflict of interest declarations must include the financial (and other) interests of close relatives.</p></mcq-feedback>
											</mcq-option>
										</mcq-options>
									</mcq>
								</process-page>
							</process>
							<!-- ACCESSIBLE START -->
							<accessible-block class="show-in-mobile">
								<h4>Question 1 of 5:</h4>
								<p><strong>Plastic-bottle researcher (PBR):</strong> <em>"I just received a message telling me that my annual conflict of interest declaration is due at the end of the week. I didn't think I had any interests to report, but apparently I have to submit the declaration even though I have no information to share. Do you have any advice on what I should do?" </em></p>
								<h4>Answer options:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"You should probably set up an appointment to talk with someone in the research office."</li>
									<li>"Why not check with the Head of Department so you can follow what others do?"</li>
									<li>"Sure, let's look at your CV to see if you have anything that should be reported."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>The correct answer is:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Sure, let's look at your CV to see if you have anything that should be reported."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>Feedback:</h4>
								<p>You could send your colleague to someone else for advice &ndash; in complicated cases, this might be a good idea. However, this seems to be a simple case and your colleague has asked you for advice. Assuming you want to help, starting with the CV is a good idea.</p>
								<hr>
								<h4>Question 2 of 5:</h4>
								<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"Sure, here's my CV &ndash; I've just updated it. You can see that my research life is not complicated. I have a small government grant to study the lifecycle of plastic bottles. Alongside that, I have agreed to provide advice to a local group, Community Recycle (CR) &ndash; in exchange, they are helping me recruit some of the households I intend to study. Also, I was paid to present a talk on my work at the annual meeting of the Plastic Bottle Manufacturers Association (PBMA).</em></p>
								<p><em>"I am certainly not going to get rich from this work. Do I have to report any of it?"</em></p>
								<h4>Answer options:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Yes."</li>
									<li>"No."</li>
									<li>"I am not sure. Maybe you should check with someone else."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>The correct answer is:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Yes."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>Feedback:</h4>
								<p>Based on what you learned in this module, as well as your knowledge of your institutional and national requirements, you should be able to provide some advice. Reporting requirements vary from institution to institution. If there is a reporting threshold (e.g. &pound;50), financial interests below this level might not need to be reported. If there is no firm financial threshold, then it must be remembered that the researcher is benefitting financially from the talk given at the PBMA annual meeting and is also getting valuable assistance from CR. If this is the case, both activities should be reported. If there is any uncertainty, it is best to report anything that might present a conflict of interest.</p>
								<hr>
								<h4>Question 3 of 5:</h4>
								<p><em>A month later...</em></p>
								<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"I have another conflict of interest question. PBMA was impressed with my talk and the work I am doing. They have asked me if I could join their new Task Force looking into the responsible use of plastic bottles. I know this organisation has its critics, but I think they are willing to take steps to reduce the impact of plastic bottles on the environment. As in the past, my travel for meetings will be covered; they are also offering a small honorarium in exchange for my serving on the Task Force. I am confident that this work will not impact my research or the advice I provide CR. However, I am concerned that they might not want to continue working with someone who is paid by PBMA. If I do not let either role influence the advice I provide, do I still have to tell CR about the Task Force work?"</em></p>
								<h4>Answer options:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Yes."</li>
									<li>"No."</li>
									<li>"I am not sure. Maybe you should check with someone else."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>The correct answer is:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Yes."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>Feedback:</h4>
								<p>In situations such as this, transparency is essential. The PBR's new interests with PBMA may not have an influence, but CR should still be told so they can make an informed decision about whether to continue the collaborative relationship.</p>
								<hr>
								<h4>Question 4 of 5:</h4>
								<p><em>A few months later...</em></p>
								<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"When I asked you for advice a few months ago, I didn't realise how complicated interests can be.  It turns out that some of the volunteers at CR are working with another research group that is pursuing much the same line of research as I am. In fact, it is so similar that I have been asked to review the other group's latest grant proposal, which they are sending to the agency that funded my work. Since I know the strengths and weaknesses of CR as a collaborator, I can probably provide the most informed feedback on this project; however, I'm afraid the funding agency will disqualify me based on apparent conflicts of interest. Do I have to tell the funding agency about my work with CR?" </em></p>
								<h4>Answer options:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Yes."</li>
									<li>"No."</li>
									<li>"I am not sure. Maybe you should check with someone else."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>The correct answer is:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>"Yes."</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>Feedback:</h4>
								<p>
									The PBR should inform the funding agency about the relationship with CR. The funding agency can then take this information into consideration when it assigns reviewers and evaluates their comments. Finding out after the fact that the review process could have been influenced by improper conflicts of interest can damage the reputations of both you and the funding agency. 
								</p>
								<hr>
								<h4>Question 5 of 5:</h4>
								<p><em>Two months before the new conflict of interest reporting year begins...</em></p>
								<p><strong>PBR:</strong> <em>"This time, rather than asking for advice, I would like to take you out to lunch as thanks for the advice you have provided over the past year. I couldn't have invited you out a year ago &ndash; as a new researcher, I don't have a great deal of money for entertaining colleagues. But we recently learned that a distant relative left my partner a thousand shares of stock in a soft drinks company. They pay a substantial dividend. I thought it would be nice to share the benefits with a colleague who has helped me through the past year. Care to join me?"</em></p>
								<h4>Answer options:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>Accept the offer</li>
									<li>Turn the offer down</li>
									<li>Accept the offer, but use this as an opportunity to provide further advice</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>The correct answer is:</h4>
								<ul>
									<li>Accept the offer, but use this as an opportunity to provide further advice</li>
								</ul>
								<h4>Feedback:</h4>
								<p>
									It's fine to accept the offer, but it is worth using this as an opportunity to remind the PBR that they should update their conflict of interest statement to include their partner's newly acquired stock holdings. The point can be made that conflict of interest declarations must include the financial (and other) interests of close relatives.
								</p>
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