Questionable raw materials or a shortage of components can sometimes play a role in faulty or defective devices . Supply chain-related shortages were the No . 2 hazard on ECRI ’ s 2022 technology hazards report , and these lingering shortages can exacerbate the availability and quality of single-use medical devices .”

steps toward preventing patient harm . They can educate staff to examine products before use for signs of defects and to report defective products ; they can track device usage to identify potential waste due to defects ; they can identify functionally equivalent products for critical single-use items ; and they can hold suppliers accountable for defective products , using the organization ’ s leverage to push for improvements ”.

He emphasizes that manufacturers can make the greatest impact , specifically those whose QC processes are lacking . “ ECRI challenges manufacturers of single-use medical devices to revisit and improve their QC processes to prevent defective products from reaching the market ,” Schluth says . “ Careful attention is particularly required when there is a change in raw materials or production location .”

ECRI ( 2023 ) says that it is “ concerned that some device manufacturers are not making sufficient efforts to address the problem . In fact , rather than seeing improvements over time , we ’ ve noticed a continuing increase in problem reports . ECRI urges manufacturers to take decisive steps to improve their QC processes .

Questionable raw materials or a shortage of components can sometimes play a role in faulty or defective devices . Supply chain-related shortages were the No . 2 hazard on ECRI ’ s 2022 technology hazards report , and these lingering shortages can exacerbate the availability and quality of single-use medical devices . In a 2022 report , Supply Chain Shortfalls Pose Risks to Patient Care , ECRI explains , “ As a result of the diminished product supply , nontraditional manufacturers and suppliers with no track record of producing medical-grade products entered the market . The quality of their products was questionable , and in some cases substandard .” It ’ s a challenge that likely won ’ t dissipate , as ECRI ( 2022 ) notes , “ It is extremely likely that hospitals will face supply chain disruptions in the future due to escalation in worldwide illnesses , an increase in natural disasters , and geopolitical issues that may affect production and distribution .”

The Infection Prevention Exchange

By MD-Medical Data Quality & Safety Advisors , LLC

The IPEX Bundle

• Data

• Process Improvement

• Technology • Artificial Intelligence

Patient & Staff Safety

Patient Satisfaction Scores improved LeapFrog Scores improved

Financial & Operational Efficiencies 50-75 % Reductions in cost of infection

HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS

Contact Tracing

50-75 % Reductions in infections

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