LMS and the Medical Device Industry

E-learning has become an integral part of the medical and medical device industries. With the current events of Covid and a population whose senior age demographic grows every year, the medical device industry is booming.

Any industry that is undergoing a large expansion can find that implementing an efficient LMS system can help their scaling go much more smoothly. The medical device industry is a great example of this.

In an industry that witnesses constant invention and new ideas, the ability to communicate electronically in real-time is mandatory. Communication and the shared implementation of ideas are two ways an industry or organization can sustain growth. A quality LMS program can help ensure that these two elements are available within a particular organization. However, the medical device industry has specific requirements to ensure that electronic records and electronic signatures are part of whatever system is used for training. Essentially the medical device industry requires 21 CFR Part 11 validated LMS to comply with FDA regulations.

Let’s examine how the medical device industry can benefit the most from implementing an LMS program.

Sharing Knowledge

On the development end of the medical device industry, the ability to share knowledge is vital. Developers must be able to coordinate with one another to create cutting-edge medical devices and challenge each other.

LMS programs provide communication outlets and video chat systems that allow developers and creators to engage one another in real-time. New technologies and prototypes can be put on display and demonstrated. This can give powerful insight into the types of breakthroughs that are being developed.

Alternatively, high-quality graphics can be engineered with charts and graphs containing vital information regarding how certain products work. Instructors that are training employees in the implementation and building process can make use of these features as well.

This leads us to the next important role an LMS program can play within a medical device organization.

Product Quality

There is more than one-way product quality can be improved by utilizing an LMS. Let’s take a closer look at both of these.

Better Product Quality Through Training

The employees that assemble medical devices greatly affect the final outcome of these products. It’s important that all of the employees are properly trained in the function and assembly of every different product that’s created.

Different modules can be created regarding different product lines. Employees can be trained in-depth about different devices and their assembly.

Additionally, exams can be administered to test each employee on their understanding of each different device. Employees will also need to be trained on the organization’s structure as a whole.

Manuals and virtual instructional videos can be created to give employees a better understanding of how different tasks are completed on a daily basis. Graphics, charts, and other visual elements can help trainees understand the devices and material more efficiently.

Instructors can touch base through virtual training sessions and weekly video chats. Face-to-face engagement allows instructors to better gauge how well future employees are grasping the things they are learning.

Better Product Quality Through Graphics and Communication

As we mentioned earlier, sharing information is vital with any medical device organization. The designers that are responsible for assembling and developing certain devices rely on peers to give them feedback and insight on certain products.

The proper LMS will allow developers to share ideas and receive feedback on how efficient certain devices are. These devices can be demonstrated for peers and third parties that do testing outside of the organization.

Certain qualities and standards must be adhered to within the medical device industry. This quality must be met from the development stages all the way to the assembly stages.

There are certain boards and associations that oversee this quality and record that employees are being properly trained. Let’s examine how LMS can help with this side of an organization.

Compliance Regulations

Like any other sector of the medical industry, medical device organizations go through a stringent process regarding regulatory compliance. Some of the organizations that oversee this industry are:

• The FDA
• The TGA
• Medsafe
• The HAS

Each of these organizations will carefully scrutinize all of the training records and processes during a GMP inspection. A quality LMS will help management track the training of each employee and document every certification given and module completed.

When these inspections are given, regulatory associations ensure that employees are able to efficiently complete the tasks that are assigned to them. Having electronic proof of every exam passed or hands-on module completed will satisfy their curiosity and make things go much smoother for your organization.

Additional Benefits for the Medical Device Industry

There are many additional benefits that an effective LMS can have for a medical device organization. These are just a few of those benefits.

        1. Customizing Training Modules

A solid LMS program allows instructors and management to customize all of the content contained within each course. It’s even possible to create entirely new courses. This can benefit the medical device sector substantially when new products hit the assembly line that employees need to be familiar with.

Custom graphics and videos sourced from various places can also be uploaded to courses. Having the ability to design custom courses can accommodate any changes that are implemented very quickly.

The medical device industry is constantly changing. Having this type of ability ensures that your organization can stay competitive.

        2. Compliant with 21 CFR Part 11

All of the modules contained within a good LMS are compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. Validation and summary reports are included in each module and course.

Another highlight is that employees can be grouped based on which training program they are taking part in. This allows management to keep track of each employee based on their job role or department.

In any life science-related industry with high levels of compilatory regulations to follow, the right LMS can be a lifesaver. Not only will the right system increase your production and quality of the products, but your organization will be protected as well.

The medical industry is highly scrutinized. Having the ability to prove and manage all of your employees’ certifications puts your organization ahead of the game and can help avoid any potential disasters!