Role of industry representatives in providing assistance to certified diabetes educators

As diabetes educators have become more frequently involved in decisions regarding medications, equipment, and supplies, industry representatives have increasingly provided various types of assistance. The major objectives of this survey were to determine 1) the types of assistance being provided to certified diabetes educators (CDEs) by industry representatives, 2) whether product recommendations are based on assistance provided, and 3) the types of assistance that CDEs consider appropriate.

We developed the survey instrument and it was mailed to every fifth person listed in the 1989 directory of CDEs. Three hundred twenty-five (51%) of the active surveys were returned.

Those responding indicated that 1) the types of support provided most frequently by industry representatives include instructional materials, samples, supplies, and equipment for patient care and education; 2) the number of types of support provided is directly related to the number of industry representatives seen on a regular basis and the frequency of interaction; 3) 22% of the educators state that they make product recommendations based on support provided; and 4) the role of the industry reps should be to continue support for patient care and education, to provide more support for public and professional education, and to minimize support for personal items, e.g., gifts or meals.

The survey indicates that CDEs are receiving many types of assistance from industry representatives and that they prefer that such assistance be targeted toward patient and professional education.