PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- ECRI (http://www.ecri.org), a nonprofit health services research agency, announces its launch of a Web-based clearinghouse for information on medical device-related disaster relief to benefit healthcare facilities affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Katrina Medical Technology Information Clearinghouse is accessible from ECRI’s main Web page at http://www.ecri.org. Developed as a public service in the wake of the unprecedented disaster in the Gulf region, ECRI’s clearinghouse provides a central resource that healthcare facilities can turn to for information related to medical devices, supplies, and services being offered by manufacturers worldwide. Also, ECRI has provided a number of its resources, including company directories and guidance articles on emergency preparedness.
“One of the biggest challenges in the aftermath of this disaster is helping affected healthcare facilities find out what medical products and services are available and how to obtain them,” states James Keller, M.S., ECRI’s vice president for health technology evaluation and safety. “The most urgent need at this time is for information related to chronic care, such as dialysis, infusion therapy, and diabetes,” says Keller.
ECRI has decades of experience in the development of large-scale public and private databases and clearinghouses for information related to medical technology. To initiate the Katrina relief effort, ECRI drew upon its database of medical device manufacturers, service companies, and distributors listed in its comprehensive online database-Health Devices International Sourcebase -- and asked over 8,000 North American companies to submit information on all products or services being offered to help with the disaster relief effort.
The initial response to ECRI’s request for support has been strong. According to Keller, who is leading the development of the information clearinghouse, “Device companies and other organizations have quickly responded with information and offers of assistance.” The site already includes information on dialysis products, infusion pumps, portable ventilators, patient warmers, mobile hospitals and outdoor shelters, medical device batteries, clinical engineering repair services, and many other healthcare products and services.
ECRI anticipates a long-term need for disaster-related information and encourages medical device-related companies to continue to submit the following information for the clearinghouse:
* Details about special donation, rental, or loaner programs for medical devices * Instructions on how affected healthcare facilities can receive expedited service * E-mail addresses, telephone numbers, or Web sites for disaster-relief-related information and help * Cleaning and repair instructions for water-damaged products * Special requirements for devices operated from backup generators * Any other information that may help in the relief effort
Responses should be sent by e-mail to katrinarelief@ecri.org. Documents may be provided; however, ECRI prefers direct links to Web-based resources, along with a brief description of the products and services provided. ECRI will post this information on the central clearinghouse Web site and will also send printed copies of the materials to hurricane-affected healthcare facilities that may still not have access to the Internet.
ECRI (http://www.ecri.org) is a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization and an Evidence-based Practice Center as designated by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ECRI provides information and technical assistance to the healthcare community to support safe and cost-effective patient care. Strictly enforced conflict-of-interest rules help to ensure an unbiased approach to projects. These rules prohibit investments in or gifts from the medical device and pharmaceutical industries and apply to ECRI and all staff members. Staff members’ income tax returns are audited for compliance with these rules. ECRI does not accept advertising.
ECRI
CONTACT: Laurie Menyo, ECRI, +1-610-825-6000, lmenyo@ecri.org
Web site: http://www.ecri.org/
