The primary aim of a conflict of interest management plan is to?

The primary aim of a conflict of interest management plan is to minimize the risk of bias when a conflict of interest (COI) is disclosed. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests could potentially interfere with their professional obligations or decision-making, particularly in research settings. The management plan is designed to address these concerns by implementing strategies and procedures that help to mitigate any undue influence on research outcomes.

By focusing on reducing bias, the management plan safeguards the integrity of the research process and protects the reputation of the researchers and their institutions. This might include measures such as requiring transparency about financial ties, limiting certain responsibilities for individuals with conflicts, or even imposing restrictions on specific aspects of a study to ensure that the COI does not compromise the research results.

This aim underlines the importance of ethical standards in research and ensures that findings are credible and trustworthy, ultimately benefiting the broader community that relies on accurate scientific information.