Role and Goal of Industry in Education and Patient Safety

Abstract

Some healthcare education and patient safety professionals view their interactions with industry representatives as merely transactional, that the only purpose of corporations is simply to design, advertise, and sell goods. This simplified view can lead to the simulation industry being dismissed as a necessary evil, a source of loaned or promotional products, or a source of income to institutions and special interest groups. However, the role of commercial enterprise is much more expansive than this in practice, as the majority of companies and their representatives are true stakeholders who wish to promote best practices in education and safe patient care. Despite the often altruistic and complementary nature of the work performed by corporations that focus on simulation products and services, a healthcare simulation technology specialist may not understand the value and role of industry in this field. This creates the potential for misunderstandings between the stakeholders and can lead to unmet expectations, as even the best customer and supplier relationships can become strained at times. This chapter outlines the role and goal of industry in the education and patient safety environment, benefits for developing relationships with industry stakeholders, and an understanding of the sometimes unseen services that they provide.