Medical device databases: a scoping study

Databases of medical devices were identified via complex search strategies to discover breadth and depth of coverage. The databases could be categorised into three types: Product, Business and Regulation. Evaluation of the databases uncovered several issues including: lack of continuity relating to the level of information provided; and little or no evidence that evaluation criteria has been applied to the databases. Other results of the scoping study suggest that a comprehensive medical device database must address the information requirements of a diverse group of stakeholders including multiple professional disciplines as well as patients and their carers. In order to support the needs of this disparate group of users, it is essential to develop a policy to support clear pathways to validate information gathering, representation, and retrieval activities.