Unique Device Identification (UDI) Implementation Work Group Kick-Off

On July 16, 2012, the Engelberg Center convened a small work group of experts representing key stakeholder groups, including device manufacturers, payers, electronic health record vendors, academics, clinicians, and others with a vested interest in UDI implementation. This Work Group convened for an initial in-person meeting at Brookings where the group delved into the major use cases that should be the focus of initial UDI implementation efforts, explored major challenges to implementation, and identified those that could benefit from greater attention during subsequent expert workshops.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug and Administration (FDA) released its Proposed Rule outlining a system of unique device identifiers (UDIs). The Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform at Brookings is beginning work to support the implementation and full adoption of UDIs across the medical device lifecycle. Initiated in cooperation with FDA and Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. as part of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network (MDEpiNet) program, this work will help identify, prioritize, and explore the most pressing issues pertaining to UDI implementation.