Project overview
The Medical Devices Consumer Working Group (MDCWG) was established in 2019 following the release of TGA’s Action Plan for Medical Devices and a consumer workshop attended by over 40 consumer organisations. Consumers, including Arthritis Australia, CHOICE, Consumers Health Forum of Australia and Painaustralia, identified priority areas and topics for TGA to focus on.
MDCWG membership was refreshed in 2021 and expanded membership from ten to 21 consumer organisations. The MDCWG supports the TGA’s medical device reform activities and resources resulting from the reforms by advising on improvements to information provided to patients about the devices they use – Strategy Three of the Action Plan for Medical Devices. The MDCWG have advised on:
- strengthening consumer awareness, understanding and outreach of the patient information materials
- the five questions to ask your health professional before you get a medical implant resource. This resource is also available in 10 languages
- consumer-facing fact sheets and guidance – for example:
- General requirements for advertising personalised medical devices to consumers,
- COVID-19 material (rapid antigen tests, face masks, ventilators), and patient information materials
- improving consumer awareness and ability to report a medical device related adverse event to the TGA
- TGA’s communications and information to consumers.
The MDCWG’s forward work plan outlines its focus for 2023-2024.
Further information
More information on the TGA’s Action Plan for Medical Devices is available at Medical device reforms.