The Brazilian association of hematology, hemotherapy, and cell therapy (ABHH) and its absolute commitment to ethics and absence of conflicts of interest

The Brazilian Association of Hematology, Hemotherapy, and Cell Therapy (ABHH) serves as the representative institution of the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), entrusted with overseeing one of the most crucial medical specialties and bearing increasing responsibilities in advancing the well-being of both our patients and professionals in the field. The ongoing scientific advances within our extensive domain have needed ABHH to not only fulfill its institutional, managerial, legal, representative, and corporate duties but also to establish a method of operation for organizing and harmonizing all endeavors across scientific, educational, regulatory, ethical, and behavioral realms. Therefore, through the decision of its board and deliberative council, ABHH aims to publicly disclose its compliance policy.¹

ABHH is committed to transparently reaffirming its statutory goals and the principles articulated in its 'Code of Ethics and Conduct,' ensuring their application to directors, members, collaborators, and affiliated associated parties. Upholding the moral and ethical integrity of its leadership, ABHH respects both the Federal Constitution and all national legal frameworks, along with Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Furthermore, it acknowledges and respects foreign legislation, particularly when it aligns with the foundational principles of the Brazilian legal system.

In alignment with these principles, ABHH mandates that its leadership and all those institutionally involved adhere to consistent standards of conduct, mitigating risks that may lead to conflicts of interest and tangible or intangible harm. Acting with integrity, ABHH prioritizes honesty, loyalty, and trust in all endeavors, driving scientific research, the pursuit of new technologies, data sharing, professional empowerment, and societal advancement, especially for patients.

Transparency and responsibility guide ABHH's interactions with the private and public sectors, ensuring impartiality and fairness to all parties. Regardless of gender, race, color, or creed, ABHH fosters equity, extending equal care and attention to all. Demonstrating social responsibility, ABHH employs its resources to sustainably preserve its actions' impact.

ABHH unequivocally rejects any influence, advantage, or interest derived from illegal activities or situations that may compromise the integrity of its leaders, collaborators, or associated parties. Any potential conflict of interest, if identified, is subject to scrutiny and deliberation by ABHH's leadership, Ethics and Legislation Committee, ensuring transparency and accountability.

While secondary personal interests are not inherently inappropriate, ABHH recognizes the need to address conflicts that may impede its primary institutional goals. Mandatory declaration of conflicts, including in contractual agreements, serves to safeguard all stakeholders and reaffirm leadership integrity. ABHH remains committed to regular review and adaptation of its Compliance Policy, integrating relevant laws, and ensuring alignment with its guiding principles and values through transparent and inclusive processes.

Reference

• ¹
  Ruble J.H. Tools for "decloaking" the elephant in the room: conflict of interest, shared decision-making, and patient-centered care. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2015;29(2):173-7. doi: 10.3109/15360288.2015.1037519. PMID: 26095491.
  » https://doi.org/10.3109/15360288.2015.1037519.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  02 Aug 2024
• Date of issue
  2024

History

• Published
  26 May 2024