The small print: Sometimes taken for granted, but still important

In order to decide how best to interpret presented information, we need to be able to place it within a context. Cath Lab Digest works hard to provide readers with the facts, and part of that effort includes publishing author disclosure data when authors have interests or commitments to share in relation to their article. I’d like to communicate some of the philosophy that makes this an important addition to our pages, which can be found in the Cath Lab Digest author disclosure form. It opens with the following statement for authors to consider: HMP Communications, publisher of Cath Lab Digest, does not view the existence of these interests or commitments as implying bias or decreasing the value of your participation. Relationships identified openly allow the reading audience to form their own judgments about the presentation with the full disclosure of facts. The responsibility and authority to accept, question, dismiss, or disagree with any argument or presentation of data ultimately rests with readers. It’s the responsibility of Cath Lab Digest to present as much of the story as possible. We encourage you to look for and consider author disclosure data not only within our pages, but in any medical publication or presentation. Many of you already do so on a regular basis. CLD would be interested in hearing your thoughts on and experience with this issue. Please write us at: cathlabdigest@aol.com In this month’s issue, which also visits the American College of Cardiology meeting (New Orleans, March 7-10), Cath Lab Digest brings you some excellent reading material:

A look at the Topspin IntraVascular MRI (IVMRI) catheter A free CME/CEU offering Solid advice on becoming a traveling cath lab professional from seasoned pro Jason Money, RN, RCIS Sucessful PCI without on-site surgical backup at Holmes Regional Medical Center … and more, but I’ve run out of room… read on!

Rebecca Yospyn Managing Editor cathlabdigest@aol.com Knowledge is the one thing no one can ever take from you.

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