Guiding Principles for Working with Patient Groups

GSK greatly values our current relationships with patient groups and believes ongoing trust and transparency is paramount. To ensure common understandings and improved transparency, a written agreement outlining the agreed conditions and outcomes of our support is developed in consultation with the patient group.

GSK is committed to working with patient groups at the highest levels of transparency and ethical standards. The key principles of our work with patient groups are trust and mutual respect. We enter into relationships committed to sustaining a long-term working relationship, which also reinforces the credibility and independence of patient groups.

Independence
Neither party should compromise the integrity or independence of the other. A patient group retains the freedom to accept or decline funding in the best interests of their group’s members. GSK encourages patient groups to maintain relationships with a wide range of organisations and companies. GSK has no right and will not ask for endorsement of our medicines nor seek to approve a patient organisation’s materials.

Transparency is vital
All involvement GSK has with patient organisations, and details of financial support to an individual project level, will be declared publicly on our website (www.gsk.com.au). GSK will not provide more than 25% funding to patient organisations and will only fund individual projects with pre-determined objectives. Whenever engaging with a patient group, a written agreement will be jointly developed to ensure both parties understand each others expectations. This document will outline the purpose of the relationship, specific objectives of the project(s), responsibilities, funding, milestones, review mechanisms, dispute resolution and exit strategies.

Trust and mutual respect
Through a mutual and open understanding of each other’s policies, objectives and working practices, GSK will demonstrate probity and good governance. The partnership will be equal, working towards common agreed outcomes. GSK will provide information on marketed medicines in response to a request for information.

Sustained long-term working relationships
Timelines for the project(s) should be clear and designed so that the benefits are sustained beyond the term of the relationship. GSK will aim to commit to support the project for 2-3 years with a regular review process. Regular communication is necessary to ensure the relationship evolves appropriately and is maintained over time. The Community Affairs Manager is the primary point of contact at GSK and will manage the relationship. Any involvement by third parties must comply with our Standard Operating Procedures which prevents any contact with patient organisations without pre-approval.

Compliance with local laws
In any workings with patient associations GlaxoSmithKline will always comply with local laws and ethical standards. We adhere to and strive to go beyond, the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct. When working with patient groups, GSK employees must follow a company wide Standard Operating Procedure, ensuring the highest level of transparency and integrity. All relationships must be based on mutual trust and respect.

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