94 The Journal of Tissue Viability October 1991 Vol I No 4

EDITORIAL

0 let us love our occupations, Bless the squire and his relations, Live upon our daily rations, And always know our proper stations

The Chimes - Dickens (1812-1870)

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANUFACTURERS AND CLINICAL EQUIPMENT RESEARCHERS

From time to time this Journal has published articles by staff from hospital equipment manufacturers. This reflects a close relation­ship between commercial innovations, patient requirements and scientific research. For truly innovative products there has to be a collaboration between users who recognise the need, and manufacturers who can provide the mechanism for translating the need into a product. In the case of medical devices, clinical trials are important, as they focus on problems of interfacing equipment with people.

INNOVATION It is vitally important for the commercial firms, large and small, to take advantage of untapped talent and expertise possessed by hospital based technical and scientific staff or clinical engineers. They are by training, temperament and tradition especially suited to undertake medical equipment development and evaluation. They can also liaise between hospital and industry. At every stage of a product development each can learn from the other and contribute to the final design. Strong interaction between users, researchers and manufacturers is very important, if innovation is to be successful.

EVALUATION The promotional literature provided by the manufacturers is often unhelpful and the choice ofa medical device for a particular purpose may be made on the basis of inadequate information. This has been recognised by the Department of Health and independent assessment is increasingly being demanded for new equipment prior to its introduction into routine patient care. Therefore, considerable attention to evaluation reports is being paid to what was once the routine purchasing ofhospital supplies. The buyers need to know the performance, safety, acceptability and reliability of a product as well as cost to identify value for money. An effective and efficient health service depends not only on skilled and caring staff but also on the cost effective supply of products and services.

PERCEPTION There is a need to examine more closely the perception of equipment related research in the clinical environment. In some cases, grave doubts must be expressed about the attitude of companies to product evaluation. It appears that this forms a part of their marketing policy rather than a tool for research and development. Furthermore, the services of the hospital employ­ees are expected to be provided free. This has to change if a genuine relationship between the manufacturers and researchers is to be established. The partnership has to be a real one, with full disclosure of both parties' difficulties and limitations as well as the attendant responsibilities for confidentiality and finance.

EDUCATION The relationship between manufacturers, researchers and clini­cians is also reflected by closer integration at the Society's continuing education and scientific meetings. These have en­joyed considerable support from equipment and pharmaceutical companies. However, some times commercial exhibitions can appear isolated from the main proceedings of a meeting. There is a need for the creation ofan appropriate mechanism for sharing information. For example, one or two short sessions on commer­cial presentations could be arranged in which equipment suppli­ers can share their technical expertise and understanding of their products with other delegates. An alternative format could be a 'New Product Forum'. Such interactions may even pointthe way to further innovations.

PUBLICATION In their responsibility towards patients, healthcare professionals and industry must stay constantly abreast of medical develop­ments in the area of their speciality. A journal such as the JTV helps them to fulfil this requirement by publication of up-to-date information. Thus the readers are kept informed thoroughly and comprehensively. This can be accomplished all the better with the active contribution of the readers themselves.

S VS Rithalia

SPRING CONFERENCE - Call for Free Papers 30/31 March 1992 Jesse Boot Centre Nottingham

Pressure Sores - A Universal Problem Closing Date 7 February 1992