{"id":58883,"date":"2024-06-24T11:55:05","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T09:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gs1.se\/?p=58883"},"modified":"2024-12-10T09:54:50","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T08:54:50","slug":"seamless-traceability-of-implants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gs1.se\/en\/blog\/seamless-traceability-of-implants\/","title":{"rendered":"Seamless traceability of implants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In an exciting initiative, the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR)<\/a> has launched a pilot project aimed at making it easier and more efficient to manage product data for medical devices. The goal is to create smooth and seamless traceability of implants, something that will positively impact healthcare.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pilot project was the topic of our panel discussion “Enhancing patient safety through the traceability of medical devices \u2013 An international, national, and regional perspective” at Vitalis. The panel included Peter Johansson from University Hospital of Northen Sweden, Michael M\u00f6ller from Sahlgrenska University Hospital and The Swedish Fracture Register, Krister Arlinger from Centre of Registers V\u00e4stra G\u00f6taland and David Almroth from GS1 Sweden. Below, I have summarized the pilot project, but if you want to see the entire panel discussion, you can find the recording here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difficulty with tracing implants <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The project focuses on enabling traceability of medical devices, specifically implants. Today, hospitals often struggle to obtain a clear picture of the supply chain for ordered implants. It’s not uncommon for hospitals to receive data from their suppliers in the form of Excel files, which are then sent to various systems, adding to the complexity. As a result, verifying the data becomes difficult, and inaccurate data complicates the identification of which implants were used during surgeries. It also takes a long time to find information about a patient’s implants, and inventory management becomes almost a nightmare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To address the difficulty of tracing implants, SFR began developing a system where information about used implants is sent directly from the operating room. The implants are marked with individual DataMatrix codes<\/a>, a two-dimensional code capable of containing a large amount of information. In this case, the DataMatrix code is associated with data formatted according to the GS1 Standard Trade Item Information<\/a>, enabling standardized exchange of digital product information between parties. In addition, each implant is identified by the GS1 standard GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)<\/a>, which is also encoded in the DataMatrix code. To input information about the used implant into the system, the DataMatrix code is scanned during use in the operating room, and this information is then directly transmitted to SFR’s system. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Instrument marked with DataMatrix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For SFR to efficiently receive product information from suppliers, suppliers need to publish their product information via the GDSN (Global Data Synchronisation Network) <\/a>datapool. GDSN is a global GS1 standard that enables seamless uploading and sharing of high-quality, digital product information in real-time. SFR has chosen to use GS1 Sweden’s datapool Validoo<\/a>, but suppliers can choose any certified GDSN datapool they prefer to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has it been going? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The results so far have been very promising. More than 150,000 GTINs from 8 different suppliers have been transferred from external GDSN datapools to SFR’s system via Validoo. The pilot project has transitioned from a project phase to practical operation at two hospitals, where they have begun testing the system by scanning DataMatrix codes, with the data being entered into the system. The system developed by SFR has already started showing positive effects, including increased efficiency due to reduced manual handling and improved data quality from standardized data provided by suppliers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project demonstrates the importance of standardized processes and digitalization within healthcare. Through technical solutions, healthcare can evolve to become even better and more efficient, ultimately benefiting patients. The management of medical devices looks promising thanks to innovation and collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Behind this, you’ll find a video<\/h4> \n

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