Creating a Medical Device Quality Management System

In this blog, we’ll cover the following topics regarding medical device quality management systems:

What Is a QMS in Medical Devices?
Are Procedures Enough to Have a Good QMS?
Different Types of QMS Standards
How to Create a Medical Device Quality Management System

What Is a QMS in Medical Devices?

A Quality Management System (QMS) in medical devices helps manufacturers maintain high standards throughout the entire device lifecycle, from development to post-market activities and beyond. By adhering to strict quality standards, a QMS allows medical device manufacturers to enhance patient safety and confidence. It not only monitors the quality of medical devices but also facilitates continuous improvement and innovation in the industry.

Are Procedures Enough to Have a Good QMS?

Auditors are like examiners, reviewing processes and execution to ensure a good QMS. However, some see it as a mere formality to appease auditors and sell products, while others view it as a powerful tool for growth and customer satisfaction.

A QMS lays out the blueprint for success, guiding organizations on how to achieve their goals. But here’s the catch: procedures alone won’t guarantee excellence. To be truly effective, organizations must embrace the spirit of continuous improvement. They must recognize that a QMS is not just a means to an end, but a catalyst for success. It’s about nurturing a culture of quality throughout every aspect of the organization. A well-implemented QMS can help your organization go beyond meeting minimum requirements, and actually enhance your operations and customer experience. It can streamline processes, improve product quality, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

Different Types of QMS Standards for Medical Devices

There are various regulatory standards for medical devices, such as ISO 13485 QMS and (QSR) 21 CFR part 820.

ISO 13485 provides guidelines for the development, implementation, and maintenance of a QMS. Similarly, the FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR) 21 CFR part 820 is a must for those involved in the medical device industry in the US. If you’re looking to expand your market internationally, it’s important to also consider the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) if you’re selling products in Brazil, US, Canada, Australia, or Japan.

How to Create a Medical Device Quality Management System

Ready to build your QMS? These 5 steps will lay the foundation for your success:

Step 1: Create Your Documents

The first step in building your QMS is all about crafting the essential procedures it takes to manufacture your device. You can kick start this process by examining chapters from ISO or other relevant standards. Think about aspects like design and development, risk management, testing and validation, production, and distribution. Remember, each device manufacturing procedure should be clear, concise, and tailored to your organization’s specific needs.

Step 2: Train Your Employees

Training your employees is not only crucial for them to execute their work effectively, it’s also essential for proving to auditors that your team is following the QMS. To ensure a smooth training process, it’s a great idea to create a curriculum for each employee, including all the procedures they should be trained on. This way, everyone is on the same page when it comes to implementing the system. You can also implement a system or proof of completion for each training by incorporating quizzes to check if your employees truly understand the procedures. Having well-trained employees not only boosts productivity, but also enhances the overall quality of your medical device management system.

Step 3: Implement Your Documentation

Once you’ve trained your employees and finalized your documentation, it’s time to put your system into action. This step is essential to demonstrate that your system is functioning effectively, stably, and that everyone on your team understands it.

Auditors need to see evidence that your system is working seamlessly. For instance, in evaluating your Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) system, auditors will look for evidence of implementation. If you don’t have any, it could pose a problem. To ensure a smooth certification process, make sure you have the following in place:

An executed internal audit
A comprehensive Management Review Report
Completed employee training
Agreements with your suppliers

Documenting your procedures alone isn’t enough. You must actively utilize them and provide tangible evidence of their effectiveness.

Step 4: Conduct an Internal Audit

Before the big certification exam with a third party, it’s essential to conduct an internal audit to review your company’s processes. This audit can be done by either an internal employee or an external consultant, and it’s the perfect opportunity to make sure your QMS is compliant. Depending on the size of your company and its role in the industry, there are different types of audits to consider. Small companies usually focus on an internal audit, while suppliers can also undergo customer audits. And if you’re part of a large corporation, you’ll need to prepare for a corporate audit. No matter which audit you choose, this session is of great importance in refining your operations and guaranteeing the highest quality standards for your medical devices.

Step 5: First Certification

The final step of creating a medical device quality management system is all about getting certified. If you’ve followed steps one to four, you’re on the right track. During the auditing process, auditors will come and review your documents, sampling your system. They won’t be able to review everything in a few days, so it’s crucial to provide them with all the evidence to prove compliance to the standards. The key is to continuously improve and show progress year after year. This journey is a process, and you’ll have the opportunity to refine your system. You’ll often have the same auditor for three years, giving them a chance to witness your growth.

Did you know that implementing a QMS is a crucial step in obtaining a CE marking?

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A Superior Medical Device Quality Management System

Are you looking for a reliable, trustworthy medical device manufacturer? Look no further than Remington. With our ISO 13485:2016 certification, you can trust that our QMS is top-notch and meets all the necessary requirements in the medical device industry. Contact us today to learn more about our QMS.