Why ISO 14971 Matters in Medical Device Risk Management?
Medical devices affect patient safety at every stage, from design to post-market use. A small failure can lead to serious harm. This is why structured risk management is not optional. It is a core requirement. Manufacturers need a clear system to identify hazards, assess risks, and control them. This is where ISO 14971 plays a central role. It gives a defined framework that aligns with global regulatory expectations and helps teams make better safety decisions. What Risk Management Means in Medical Devices? Risk management focuses on reducing harm while maintaining device performance. You need to: Identify possible hazards early Estimate and evaluate risks Apply control measures Monitor effectiveness over time For example, a drug-device combination product like an auto-injector carries risks such as dosing errors, device malfunction, or user misuse. Without a structured process, these risks increase. A proper system ensures every risk is tracked and addressed before the product reache...