The Sky Is Falling…With No One To Fact Check It

Misinformation is on The Rise

We all know the bedtime story about Chicken Little, who was hit on the head with an acorn and went on to create a panic thinking that the sky was falling. Chicken Little and his freinds could have been spared their entire misadventure with a little fact checking. Something that is needed now more than ever. Recently, Facebook announced its decision to end its third party fact checking program, something that will undoubtedly and exponentially increase the amount of misinformation spread on the platform. The healthcare industry is not immune to misinformation either, and we deal with it on a daily basis. From suppliers intentionally publishing misleading IFUs, to threatening users for using products made by other companies, which may be illegal.

Some folks take an IFU as gospel

Let’s consider some examples to better understand what we mean by misinformation and how it can be interpreted as a requirement. If you were to purchase a car, no one would require you to use only GM fuel. If you purchase a Maytag washer, is anyone acquainted with Maytag detergent? No, it doesn’t exist. Nevertheless, in healthcare, an IFU will often state that the manufacturer’s detergent should be used in their washers and by implication they hear “must be used”. Sometimes, there is even the assertion that using other cleaners “can void the warranty.”

The Joint Commission Weighs In

Manufacturers are responsible for developing IFUs to meet regulatory requirements and users refer to them for guidance. According to the Medical Device Regulation, the term “instructions for use” refers to the information provided by the manufacturer to inform the user of a device’s intended purpose and proper use, and of any precautions to be taken. It is part of risk management and enables the user to use devices safely and avoid errors. Nonetheless, an IFU can also be a marketing tool, to promote a manufacturer’s ancillary products or consumables. Understanding what The Joint Commission says may correct a misconception. “The Joint Commission expects that when conflicts with the manufacturer recommended instructions or products are identified, the organization contacts the manufacturer's technical services to resolve these conflicts. This resolution should also include contacting the manufacturer of the alternative product, if applicable, to determine if they can provide additional information regarding compatibility.”

What can we do when we hear misinformation

The FDA has provided information that can help us identify and address misinformation. Click here to read more.

Identify misinformation
Check the source and cross check with reliable sources
Use science and critical thinking to make choices
Direct folks to a reliable source
Don’t contribute to the spread of misinformation
Request the FDA 510k or an independent validation study

The Case Medical Way

Here at Case Medical we strive to give you the facts and information you need to make informed decisions, that’s why we’re totally transparent. Simply, go to this page on our website for all related product documentation: http://www.casemed.com/index.php/resources/documentation . You’ll find all our FDA 510K’s for our SteriTite containers on the site. The fact is, we want you to have all the facts when deciding on a purchase for your facility, take for example our cleaning products, which are sustainable, safe, highly effective, and U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified. We do everything possible to have outside, reliable sources like the FDA and EPA review our product validations and claims so you don’t have to take our word for it, because they are cleared and certified. We also have our Case Academy, our way of keeping you educated and informed. You can reach it by clicking here. Even chicken little would agree, facts matter.

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Visit us anytime at www.casemed.com to learn more about our products and services. We are here to help. Case Medical is a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year and a Frontrunner in the Chemical Footprint Project. Contact us today to learn more about our certified eco-friendly cleaners and detergents and how we can help your facility’s bottom line with reusable and environmentally preferred products and services.

Kindest Regards,

Marcia Frieze and the Case Medical team