Clinical risk management policy

The impact of reference data issues on the patient (and therefore the associated clinical risk) is very difQcult to predict. Clearly it depends on the nature of the functionality that the reference data supports. What is important is that reference data is considered as part of every hazard assessment and that controls are developed. Typically this would include a reference data management policy and/or data migration strategy. 

Clinical research designed to further identify both host- and device-associated risk factors and to assess the benefit of specific preventive measures is required. Unfortunately, funding and institutional support for research may receive a lower priority under managed care and capitation policies. There is a need for increased recognition of host-associated risk factors, necessitating involvement of primary care physicians, and for increased emphasis on pre-... 

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