Effectively outsourcing medical and laboratory equipment procurement
pharmafile | October 21, 2013 | Feature | |
With Investigator Sites located across the World it is increasingly important to ensure that they all have the right equipment to complete a Clinical Trial to a successful conclusion. Robin Wickham, DIrector, Clinical Trials Division at Woodley Equipment explains how Woodley Equipment can source the most appropriate equipment for you, and ensure a smooth trial is delivered on time and in budget.
A Complete and Tailored Service
When outsourcing the procurement of equipment it is beneficial to have a central contact to manage your project. It is important to select a company who will provide a dedicated Account Manager who understands your specific requirements and will create a package entirely tailored to your needs. Combining information (such as expected trial length, site locations and equipment requirements) your Account Manager should be able to provide a package combining purchase, rental, management, logistics, and tracking to give you the best value for money solution.
Today’s pharmaceutical environment depends upon technologically advanced equipment to accurately and reliably trial the latest drugs and their effects. With constant technological advances and the high capital outlay involved, it can often be difficult to decide what products will provide longevity and value for money. It is worth considering an alternative solution – renting your laboratory and medical equipment will allow you to use the most advanced equipment utilising cutting edge technology, and offer complete peace of mind knowing that any breakdowns will be replaced immediately.
Selecting the Right Equipment
Many equipment providers limit themselves by only working with a set product range, and then focus on selling these specific items to their clients regardless of if there is a more suitable product on the market. By selecting a supplier who, whilst having a core selection of products, also has relationships with multiple suppliers you will ensure that you have the most appropriate equipment sourced for your trial and the correct consumables are supplied for the duration of your study.
Detailed knowledge of the global equipment market will ensure smooth shipments and shorter lead-times. Considerations of voltage, frequency, registration and licensing should be left to your equipment provider ensuring a one-stop solution with all the benefits of sourcing locally.
Full Logistics and Management
Your supplier of choice should have a Logistics Team with experience to organise the shipment of equipment to each Investigator site on a worldwide basis. Utilising a network of global and local couriers, freight forwarders, and cold-chain experts will ensure that the issues usually faced when shipping overseas will not occur. It is also important to consider whether the company you choose to work with has the global infrastructure and partners to facilitate the resolution of any issues before they arise, reducing expensive costs and delays.
Another key consideration is the level of on-going management through-out a trial. Look at whether your procurement specialist can provide full tracking and budgeting information on a regular and on-going basis, and equipment management services to complement your procurement.
When the study is complete your supplier should organise the collection of the equipment from each Investigator site and provide end-of life recycling, charitable donation, or recalibration and servicing ready for your next trial – ensuring you receive a full service from initial enquiry to final collection.
Advanced Technical Support
Technical Support should be provided free of charge by a highly qualified team of Service Engineers, Medical Electronics Technicians and Biomedical Scientists who are also registered Chartered Scientists. Their advice and support can minimise equipment down time therefore ensuring the study continues with limited interruption and undue delay. Should the need arise a replacement should be available to be sent at short notice.
Technical Support Requirements:
- Advice during initial equipment set up
- Advice on maintenance issues as they arise
- Troubleshooting issues, including advice on laboratory protocol to resolve issues relating to the interpretation of results and recalibration advice to avoid the need to return equipment
- Configuration and calibration of medical analysers and the supply of quality control samples
- Dedicated telephone and email support
Service Department
Medical Electronics is highly specialised and includes the maintenance and calibration of all patient monitoring devices; it is essential in ensuring that equipment is safe, functional and properly configured. Working within a well-equipped service centre, it is also highly advisable that experienced, qualified engineers use their technical expertise to carryout calibration, safety checks, maintenance and repair of all non-patient related equipment.
Tailored Training Service
Look for a supplier who can organise personalised training delivered by a person appropriately qualified for the equipment. For example; Biomedical Scientists should train on laboratory based practices and Point Of Care devices whilst specialised nurses should train on patient monitoring devices.
Experience
There is no substitute for experience and expertise in Clinical Trials and Woodley Equipment Company has been providing laboratory and medical equipment rental solutions to the Industry for over 20 years. Woodley is a leading specialist global supplier of laboratory and medical equipment for rental or sale to the Clinical Trials industry. We provide unrivalled levels of customer service and support. Woodley can provide a ‘one-stop’ solution that can bring simplicity to your most complex trial.
FURTHER iNFORMATION
Woodley Equipment Company Limited
E: enquiries@woodleyequipment.com
www.woodleyequipment.com
UK Office
T: +44 (0)8456 777001
F: +44 (0)8456 777002
USA Office
T: 1-800-471-9200/ 1-508-625-1693
F: 1-508-625-1721
