One Liners issue 72 - October 2009

X - pand your knowledge
Based on reports we have received through our Adverse Incident Centre, we have developed a series of interactive educational modules covering the general principles of the safe use and management of medical devices, electrosurgery, anaesthetic machines and operating tables. These are all available on our website and each module takes around 15 minutes to complete.

• All modules are free to use but are password protected (obtainable immediately on the website). All have associated quizzes to test your knowledge.

DiP online and interactive?
MHRA have updated and re-printed our popular publication 'Devices in Practice'. This has been distributed widely to healthcare professionals but additional copies are available from our website.

• This document covers in a series of checklists a wide range of issues that need to be considered in the purchase, use and maintenance of medical devices, together with advice on training issues.

Points make prizes!
All of the interactive educational material we have on our website is certified which you may add to your personal training portfolio.

• When you have successfully completed the educational package just click on the link to print your personalised certificate.

Wide x-perience and more?
The MHRA have produced a series of posters for healthcare professionals covering a wide range of topics. These include problems of electrosurgery, safe use of lasers, endoscopic decontamination, safe use of bedrails, image quality in X-ray imaging.

• All posters are available to download from our website or contact Michael Peel at: michael.peel@mhra.gsi.gov.uk to obtain a full list of all available publications or individual printed copies.

Additional help!!!!
One of the aims of the MHRA is to ensure safe use of medical devices. We would like to develop further educational modules, information posters, top tips and posters which you would find useful and would help to ensure safer practice.

• If you have any specific ideas or suggestions for new publications then send them to: michael.peel@mhra.gsi.gov.uk

Coming soon…
The MHRA is developing a Medical Device Driving License (MDDL) in conjunction with the NHS. The intention is to enable medical staff to electronically enter and store all of the relevant courses that they have completed along with their results.

• We anticipate that this will provide central electronic evidence of training and achievements.

Don't waste ages, use our web pages...
The MHRA has created a series of web pages for targeted groups of healthcare professionals including those in the field of cardiology, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, pathology, pharmacy, radiology and theatre practitioners, with anaesthetics and critical care pages coming soon.

The One Liners editions are published by the MHRA, an executive agency of the Department of Health.

Adverse incidents should be reported at the earliest opportunity. We prefer to receive reports via the online reporting system on our website.

You may also use this online system to send an email copy of your report to your medical device liaison officer.

We also have an adverse incident hotline: 020 7084 3080. You can find detailed reporting guidance on our website.