What is the PIM?
The Product Information Management (PIM) database is designed to provide a single source of truth for medical device product information across the NHS. It will be “a centralised database that consolidates, manages and displays standardised information on all medtech products1” to improve the accuracy and consistency of national medical device data.
The objective of the PIM
The purpose of the PIM is to make device data easier to share, maintain and reuse across the health system, reducing duplication and improving consistency for medical device suppliers, manufacturers and NHS organisations. The GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), used to uniquely identify medical products and devices, is the primary product identifier in the PIM.
By using unique device identifiers on products, medical device suppliers and manufacturers will support the ambition of the DHSC’s medtech strategy – ensuring the right products are procured at the right price, and are in the right place for when they are needed.
GS1 is an authorised UDI issuing entity for many global UDI regulations including in the European Union, USA, Brazil, China among others. This means that manufacturers or labellers that are GS1 members can use the standards to comply with UDI requirements in these jurisdictions.
In Great Britain, “the new regulatory framework that MHRA is developing aims to mandate products having a unique device identification (UDI) which will further enhance traceability, as well as introduce implant cards to provide improved patient information.1”
The GS1 GTIN and Global Model Number (GMN) both provide a consistent, standardised way of identifying products and devices. Using the GS1 GTIN or GMN helps to ensure device information is consistent across suppliers, catalogues and healthcare systems, supporting traceability and interoperability.
Benefits to medical device suppliers and manufacturers
- Reduced duplication of submitting product information
- Better quality, accuracy and consistency of device data
- Improved traceability to support recalls and post-market surveillance
- Greater regulatory readiness for compliance with UDI requirements
- Streamlined procurement and P2P processes across the NHS
- Drive national efficiencies through improved product traceability and system agnostic standards
