Industry Payments During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Cardiologists in the United States

In the US, research has established that a funding relationship exists between pharmaceutical industries and physicians, particularly cardiologists. This study aimed to fill a research gap via an in-depth data analysis of the impact that the coronavirus 2019 restrictions had on this dynamic. The payments per cardiologist declined by 55.7% (95% confidence interval: 52.0%--59.0%, P < 0.001) in monetary amounts, and by 66.6% (95% confidence interval: 66.1%-67.1%, P < 0.001) in the number of payments right after the COVID-19 pandemic onset, respectively. Cardiologists must consider the ethical implications of the potential for their clinical practice to be influenced by industry payments.

Automated summary

Research in the US has revealed a funding relationship between pharmaceutical industries and physicians, especially cardiologists. This in-depth data analysis examines the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on this relationship. The results show a significant decline in payment amounts and frequencies for cardiologists following the onset of the pandemic. Cardiologists must consider the ethical implications of industry payments on their clinical practice.