How should conflicts of interest be handled in TCPS 2 research?

• A. Researchers must disclose to the REB, manage or mitigate conflicts to prevent bias in design or reporting.
• B. Conflicts should be kept private to avoid denial of funding.
• C. Conflicts must be disclosed to participants only.
• D. Conflicts can be ignored if funded by industry.

Answer: (A)

Conflicts of interest in TCPS 2 are managed through transparency and oversight: researchers must disclose any actual or potential conflicts to the Research Ethics Board and work with the board to implement safeguards that prevent bias in how a study is designed, conducted, or reported. This process protects both participant welfare and the integrity of the research, since undisclosed interests can influence decisions and interpretations. The REB may require mitigation measures such as independent data analysis, role separation, or ongoing monitoring, and in some cases researchers may also inform participants about relevant conflicts as part of informed consent. Conflicts should not be kept private, and they cannot be ignored simply because industry funding is involved.