Medical Device Link.

NEWS TRENDS

FDA and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) announced in January that they have signed an agreement to share information and expertise about the review and use of medical devices and other products. The data generated from this partnership may help medical device manufacturers get a better sense of how their products are performing in real-world conditions.

The agencies hope that the agreement will improve postmarket safety data collection. Specifically, the goal is to identify, validate, and analyze product risks more effectively.

At press time, a meeting had been scheduled to establish procedures and the best methods of safeguarding patients’ personal information.

The VHA’s hospitals are known for being at the forefront of adopting new medical technology and of implementing patient safety measures.

The full text of the agreement can be viewed online at www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/oc079-mou0001.pdf.