Evidence based medicine between guidelines and conflict of interest

The criminal responsibility of the physician is now in the spotlight as a result of the Conversion Law of November 8, 2012, n. 189 (the so-called "Balduzzi" Law). Of particular interest to scholars is the use of the Guidelines as a tool for the evaluation of professional conduct. The authors draw specific attention to issues related to conflicts of interest, often economic in nature, which are linked to the research and development concerning what will eventually be considered the "best" scientific evidence. They do so through a review of international literature. Accordingly, awareness is desirable on the part of those involved in various capacities in the legal dispute regarding medical malpractice with the goal of a conscious limitation of the instrument available.