I'ver been wondering why these joint implants don't have serial numbers. Don't the manufacturerers watch police shows on TV where that is the only way they are able to identify the victim?
But now, for different reasons, Mercy health care in the midwest is experimenting with tracking the devices but not for the TV drama reason.
Hospitals are under tremendous pressure to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Mercy has come up with an administtative plan to help achieve that goal. They have developed the UDI ayatem, Unique Device Identifier. Implants are given an identifying ID number. The information is used to keep up with inventory, coordinate care between specialists and alert patients if there were to be a device recall (!).
"In 2012, Mercy, a high-performing healthcare system in the Midwest, began a pilot program that incorporated the UDIs of coronary artery stents into its inventory management, supply chain, billing and electronic health record systems. The codes allowed Mercy to reduce its inventory in one cardiac catheterization lab from $1.9 million to $1.4 million worth of equipment in just a few months by providing staff with real-time data on how many products were in stock. Clinicians electronically recorded the exact type of coronary artery stent implanted in each patient so they would be able to easily identify the device and take action if complications arose. Finally, researchers at Mercy were able to analyze their data and better understand differences in patient outcomes based on the type of stent implanted—a finding that will help doctors make more informed decisions on what product is most appropriate for each individual."
I can see where this system would benefit a high volune progran. I'm not so sure about my facility and situation. I'm pretty sure the Device Manufacturer sales rep keeps track of "inventory" and brings what is needed to the surgical arena the day of the procedure at my facility. I haven't asked but I definitely have the impression that rTSA is a rare, if ever donee, surgery here. So I suspect they can keep track of we few patients by name. But the UDT number could have some value if I'm ever the unfortunate player in a television police drama.
But now, for different reasons, Mercy health care in the midwest is experimenting with tracking the devices but not for the TV drama reason.
Hospitals are under tremendous pressure to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Mercy has come up with an administtative plan to help achieve that goal. They have developed the UDI ayatem, Unique Device Identifier. Implants are given an identifying ID number. The information is used to keep up with inventory, coordinate care between specialists and alert patients if there were to be a device recall (!).
"In 2012, Mercy, a high-performing healthcare system in the Midwest, began a pilot program that incorporated the UDIs of coronary artery stents into its inventory management, supply chain, billing and electronic health record systems. The codes allowed Mercy to reduce its inventory in one cardiac catheterization lab from $1.9 million to $1.4 million worth of equipment in just a few months by providing staff with real-time data on how many products were in stock. Clinicians electronically recorded the exact type of coronary artery stent implanted in each patient so they would be able to easily identify the device and take action if complications arose. Finally, researchers at Mercy were able to analyze their data and better understand differences in patient outcomes based on the type of stent implanted—a finding that will help doctors make more informed decisions on what product is most appropriate for each individual."
I can see where this system would benefit a high volune progran. I'm not so sure about my facility and situation. I'm pretty sure the Device Manufacturer sales rep keeps track of "inventory" and brings what is needed to the surgical arena the day of the procedure at my facility. I haven't asked but I definitely have the impression that rTSA is a rare, if ever donee, surgery here. So I suspect they can keep track of we few patients by name. But the UDT number could have some value if I'm ever the unfortunate player in a television police drama.
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