95 results
Posted on 01.07.2011
Standards: To infinity (well the next decade at least) and beyond
The European Commission published on 1 June its long-awaited regulation proposal on European standardization. The document consists of the proposed legislative measures which update and consolidate existing EU legislation as well as impact assessments and non-legislative measures such as a strategic vision for European Standards. There were also a number of recommendations aimed at other actors in the EU Standardization system. I am convinced that these proposals are a significant step forward in the development of standards as an essential tool in developing the EU single market.
Posted on 09.06.2011
Rethinking medical device manuals to save lives and trees
Useful, absent, useless or simply not up to modern communication and information exchange practices, finally I’ve just seen an honest debate on the thorny subject of instructions for use for medical devices. It seems that the seeds are being sown in the garden of England for future change to the benefit of everyone.
Posted on 01.04.2011
UDI, GS1, GTIN, GHTF, ETF, EHR, ISMP… What does it mean to me and to you?
Having been involved with the medical devices industry for many years, I’ve seen how the industry has evolved using innovative solutions and has constantly embraced technological developments. Recently however I had a friend on the receiving end of this technology and I hope you find his ‘patient case report’ below of interest – do note he also works in the medtech industry hence his knowledge on this subject…
Posted on 04.02.2011
Cheap trumps innovativeness… or not?
As I was commuting back to Brussels last week, a copy of The Economist laid out in front of me, my eye was immediately drawn to the title of that week’s Leader. Who wouldn’t be inclined to read on when an enticing header such as “Life should be cheap” is staring right at you. Intrigued […]
Posted on 26.01.2011
On markets and double standards
Just before the Christmas break I purchased a beautiful flat screen television of exactly the same dimensions as one that I had bought four years previously. The price was something like 25% of what I had paid earlier and the picture much better. I also engaged in a renegotiation of my mobile phone contract and […]
Posted on 11.01.2011
2011 Outlook: Innovate or Fail
The turn of the year brings all manner of analysis of the events of one year and predictions for the year ahead. 2010 will not be fondly remembered by many as it heralded the impact of the 2008 banking crisis on the real world of citizens and business. For those in the public sector and […]
Posted on 19.11.2010
Throwing the baby out with the bathwater
Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner, John Dalli, made a typically balanced speech about his vision for health on the European agenda at a meeting organised by Friends of Europe. The high-level summit entitled ‘An Innovative Healthcare Agenda for Europe’, was held this week in the magnificent setting of the Bibliotheque Solvay, in the heart of […]
Posted on 29.09.2010
Telemedicine – Never knowingly over sold
‘Never knowingly under sold’ is a slogan that one major UK retailer has been using more or less continuously since 1925. I have never quite understood what it means. E-heath and telemedicine have been touted as the key to disruptive change in healthcare for a very long time. I recall spending an entertaining four days […]
To Reuse or not to Reuse – that is the question (and with apologies to lovers of Shakespeare)
The recent report from the European Commission into the reuse of single use medical devices reminds me of Hamlet. The Danish prince, like the Commission in their report, had to contemplate the nature of action, and whether to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles […]