Ineffective medical device recalls are a patient safety scandal

A medical device is any piece of equipment, material or apparatus used to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

When a medical device is recalled because of safety concerns, it can affect a large number of patients, often on a global scale. However, manufacturers and regulators of these devices don’t often have effective ways to ensure patients know about safety concerns, understand the risks or know what to do if their medical device is recalled.

This blog by Sling The Mesh founder Kath Samson, published on Patient Safely Learning – The Hub, looks at some of the issues around medical device recalls. She suggests ways device manufacturers and regulators can improve their communication with patients and healthcare staff when a medical device is recalled.