Nurses have more influence than most think.

Medical equipment is an essential health intervention tool used by nurses for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and for the rehabilitation of patients. However, access to functioning medical equipment is a challenge in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization estimated that 50 to 80 per cent of medical equipment in developing countries is not working, creating a barrier to the ability of the health system to deliver health services to patients.

Nurses interacted with industry in similar ways to doctors. They attended sponsored dinners, served as paid speakers for companies, met one-on-one with sales representatives and are regularly offered free samples or trails on equipment.

Nurses also have regular contact with industry in the course of patient care and ensuring Nurses are fully aware of the latest products and services is vital to the future sales of equipment and services. As it stands these are the professionals most likely to be end-user of the products and services offered to Doctors / Nurses and professionals. Many nurses are involved with in-service education conducted by sales representatives, with many providing product support in the operating theatres or presenting product information to purchasing committees.