Key Concepts

• Conflict of interest can take many forms—each are critical to understanding, addressing, and disclosing.
• Reporting conflict of interest can affect study outcomes.
• Introduction of new technologies into practice needs to balance progression of the field of medicine versus placing patients at undue and unnecessary risk.
• Providing excellent and ethical end-of-life care requires attention to three principles: effective communication, accurate prognostication, and sound decision-making.