Healthcare institutions in the Netherlands increasingly need a single, centralised, up-to-date and standardised overview of medical devices. The need for reliable product data plays a crucial role in both operational processes, such as cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation, and in strategic procurement processes, such as non-commercial product data. However, there is currently no complete, nationwide overview of reliable product data (via GS1 Data Care).
The current exchange is fragmented and manual, for example via Excel files. This leads to error-prone, inefficient and unnecessary duplication of work. In addition, European systems such as EUDAMED do not align well with the practices of Dutch healthcare institutions. At the same time, national regulations such as the LIR (National Implant Register) are imposing increasingly stringent requirements on the quality of product data for class III and some class IIb devices.
GDSN acceleration project launched: foundation for reliable healthcare data
Together with mProve, IAZ, Santeon, NVZ, NFU and Zorg Inkoop Netwerk Nederland (ZINN), we are working to accelerate the implementation of the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN). With GDSN, we are laying the foundation for structurally reliable and standardised product data. This project is a concrete step in the implementation of the 2021 “Uniform Data Set” letter of intent.
Our goal: reliable product data as the basis for future-proof healthcare. This will enable us to achieve an efficient healthcare and procurement chain with less manual work, higher data quality and better collaboration.
Benefits
• Less manual work and lower risk of errors
• Higher data quality and streamlined processes within purchasing and logistics
• Better insight into product characteristics, documentation and risks
• More efficient file creation for patient safety and compliance with European legislation and regulations, such as the Medical Device Regulation (MDR)
• Better cooperation between hospitals and suppliers
This project involves collaboration with:
• NVZ / NFU / IAZ / mProve / Santeon
• Zorg Inkoop Netwerk Nederland (ZINN)
• Supplier umbrella organisations and medical device suppliers
• Partners – implementation parties, ERP suppliers
• Professional organisations (such as LNAG and VDSMH)
Role of GS1
GS1 Netherlands is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing the international GDSN standard. This standard enables the exchange of up-to-date and standardised product data for medical devices between suppliers and healthcare institutions. As a neutral party, GS1 coordinates the implementation of this data exchange and supports hospitals and suppliers in connecting to the GDSN network and GS1 Data Care. GS1 contributes to a safer, more efficient and more sustainable use of medical devices in healthcare.
Role of NVZ, NFU, mProve, Santeon, IAZ and Zorg Inkoop Netwerk Nederland
NVZ, NFU, mProve, Santeon, IAZ and Zorg Inkoop Netwerk Nederland support the acceleration of GDSN implementation by actively promoting the reliable and efficient exchange of (non-commercial) product data between suppliers and hospitals.
