Bisphenol-A and the Canadian Medical Devices Industry
Medical devices are not currently the focus of Health Canada and Environment Canada's concern in regards to bisphenol-A (BPA), however, MEDEC is proactively monitoring this issue in order to prepare for any questions or concerns.
The Impact on Medical Devices in Canada with a Weak U.S. Dollar
In this current economy, the business facts need to be recognized in light of the strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar for manufacturers and distributors of medical device technologies in Canada.
Critical Issues in Canadian Orthopaedic Surgery Orthopaedics is one of the greatest challenges the Canadian health care system faces. As Canada's population continues to age and grow, the demand for orthopaedic care will outstrip the supply of services. To this end, there are a number of strategies to tackle the mismatch between demand and supply.
Tendering for Medical Devices: Core Principles
This MEDEC position paper statement of principles is intended to offer MEDEC members and their customers/stakeholders a guideline for consistent non-binding, voluntary application with regard to the tendering process for medical devices.
Focusing on the Health and Safety of Ontarians
In January 2007, MEDEC presented a Pre-Budget Submission as part of the annual Ontario pre-Budget consultations on two key issues affecting the government's ability to provide Ontarians with the highest quality care. This document is a summary based on the advocacy proposal, which was formally submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Finance's Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs.
MEDEC Policy Summit on Cleaning & Sterilization of Reusable (Multiple-Use) Medical Devices
The MEDEC Policy Summit on Cleaning and Sterilization for Patient Safety was sponsored by the MEDEC Orthopaedic Committee on October 31, 2006. MEDEC supported this policy summit in order to continue and foster dialogue with the various stakeholders involved in cleaning and sterilization and to find solutions to the issues involved in the reuse of medical devices.
Provincial Variations in the Utilization of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
Summary of results: there are significant provincial variations in the utilization of ICDs across Canada. The highest utilization of ICDs is in Newfoundland and Quebec. Provincial variations (above or below the Canadian average) have been sustained and are relatively consistent from 2002 -2005.
Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose for People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
There has been some recent debate in the diabetes care community regarding the importance and value of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among people with Type 2 diabetes.
The Impact of Innovative Medical Device Technologies on Patient Safety Fall/Winter 2006
Patient safety must be a key focus of healthcare professionals and medical product manufacturers to ensure decreased adverse effects, decreased healthcare system costs, and improved patient outcomes. One mechanism that can help to minimize risk to patients is the appropriate use of medical devices and the adoption of innovative device technologies designed to enhance patient safety. (Fall/Winter 2006)
Economic Benefits of Treatment
Productivity gains from innovations in vision care abound – clearer vision, fewer complications, quicker recovery, and greater convenience. But Canadian health care policies threaten patient access to care and continued innovation in ophthalmic technologies. (Fall 2006)
Health Technology Assessment of Medical Devices in Canada
MEDEC’s position on issues surrounding Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Canada (Spring 2006)
Pandemic Influenza Planning and the Medical Device Industry
Health officials around the world are now stating that it is not a question of whether an influenza pandemic will occur but when. (Spring 2006)
The Storage And Handling Of Blood Glucose Test Strips
Research undertaken by MEDEC members who represent diabetes care device manufacturing companies suggests that further education among all parties in the supply chain (wholesalers/ distributors, sales representatives, pharmacies, and healthcare providers) is required to maintain product integrity by ensuring proper handling, shipment, and documentation procedures for blood glucose test strips.
Compliance with the Establishment License requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations is also a key expectation. (March 2006)
Generic Product Registration Cards And PIPEDA Requirements
A few Canadian retailers have made recommendations to develop standardized or generic versions of warranty cards to replace company specific warranty cards.
Retailers would like to track customer warranty card information and potentially become involved in the centralized transfer of patient information to manufacturers of blood glucose meters. (March 2006)
The Impact on Canadian Manufacturers & Distributors of Medical Devices Costs Due to Raw Materials and Freight Fuel Surcharges
Market Conditions Impacting Medical Device Manufacturers (Winter 2005)
Cleaning and Sterilizing Reusable Medical Devices
Proper cleaning and sterilization of reusable devices in Canadian healthcare facilities is critical in preventing patient exposure to infectious agents. Communication and implementation of the manufacturers’ validated processes should be optimized with a view to developing best practise solutions that ensure patient safety. (Winter 2005)
The Vision Risk For Canadians
Advances in ophthalmic technologies improve sight for more cataract patients and increase economic savings – but Canadian healthcare policies threaten improvements (Winter 2005)
Provincial Variations in Access to Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
There are marked provincial variations in the historical utilization of ICDs across Canada. The geographical rate score may be used as planning metric for future resource allocations and to assess the adoption of the 2005 ICD implant guidelines. (Fall, 2005)
Cause for Concern: The Reuse of Single Use Medical Devices
Calls to light the practice of reusing single use medical devices (SUMeDs). This practice poses potentially serious and life-threatening risks to patients in Canada, by exposing them to infectious diseases and possibly malfunctioning devices. The reuse of SUMeDs is the practice of reprocessing the device for use on another patient. (July 19, 2004)
