"We can't get along without each other": qualitative interviews with physicians about device industry representatives, conflict of interest and patient safety.
Conflict of interest between health care providers and for-profit industry represents a patient safety concern. This qualitative study examined the relationship between physicians who use implantable devices and the device manufacturer representatives. Although physicians reported being vigilant in their relationship with device representatives and recognized the potential for conflicts of interest, device representatives were often present for implantations.