Four principles should underpin all interactions:
- Clarity of purpose: each party should be clear about the reason for and the planned outcome of the collaboration – and the ultimate benefit for patients.
- Integrity: each party should act, and be seen to act, honestly and with integrity at all times.
- Independence: each party should maintain their independence.
- Transparency: each party should be open and honest about the purpose of the collaboration and be able to account publicly for the associated activities and any exchanges of funding.
Some good questions to ask when setting up a new partnership include:
- Why do I want to work with this organisation?
- How will patients ultimately benefit?
- How will I involve patients?
- What is the benefit to my organisation?
- Who decides on the scope of work?
- If everything was in the public domain, what would it look like?
- What money or benefits are involved?
- How will transparency be achieved?
