This message is sent to you by FDA Newswatch

How to go Paperless in an FDA-Regulated Environment using Electronic Workflow Signature Approvals and Electronic Records

Tuesday, 03 October 2017  10:00 AM PDT, 01:00 PM EDT

Training Duration = 60 Min                    Sponsored by Online Compliance Panel

Click Here to register $250.00

Click Here to register and receive CD recording $500.00

This course is intended to provide specific guidelines for coaching attendees in the concepts of 21 CFR Part 11, namely the FDA requirements for using electronic records and electronic signatures (ER/ES), and the best practices for implementing these technologies in a regulated environment.

The use of electronic records and signatures enables a company to conduct business in a paperless environment. However, this is only if the company adheres to the specific requirements put forth by FDA in their guidance for ER/ES. The paperless environment means that all signatures will be obtained through a software-enabled workflow system that routes the key documents to specifically approved signers.

The workflow typically includes tracking of the status of the document, indicating where it is in the approval process. It also allows for signers to reject a document and request that either it be withdrawn altogether or modified in some manner.

The key to successful compliance of a paperless workflow and approval environment is setting up the right security and access rights, and authenticating signatures effectively.

Learning Objectives:

  • To learn how to interpret and apply the requirements set forth by FDA in 21 CFR Part 11, a guidance for electronic records and signatures (ER/ES)
  • To understand the implications of using ER/ES capability in the business process workflow
  • To learn how to evaluate the cost-benefit of using ER/ES capability in FDA-regulated systems
  • To understand how to mitigate any risks that emerge as a result of implementing ER/ES capability
  • To be able to prepare users for the changes in work processes that will be required in using ER/ES
  • To be able to identify and fill key roles and responsibilities required in the process of implementing ER/ES
  • To learn how to prepare a rationalization for the use of ER/ES to satisfy potential FDA audit questions
  • To learn how to work with FDA during an audit or discussion to ensure they are comfortable with the company's approach and methodology for implementing and supporting ER/ES capability
  • To learn by examples how some companies have implemented ER/ES capability and discuss the rationale behind it, cost-benefit analysis conducted, risk assessment conducted and some of the outcomes, both positive and negative

Why Should You Attend:

The attendee will learn how to develop a standard approach to establishing and maintaining the use of ER/ES to handle records and approvals in an FDA regulated environment. There are specific best practices that should be considered before choosing to implement these capabilities and operate in a "paperless" environment, and these will be discussed.

We will discuss the pros and cons for using ER/ES, and talk about the ramifications of choosing to do so. The attendee will be prepared to make a determination about applying ER/ES capabilities in their workplace, and will be able to implement the best practices for maintaining ER/ES in a compliant manner.

We will touch on those areas that are critical to meeting the requirements set forth in FDA's 21 CFR Part 11, including security and newer technologies that are emerging for capturing, analyzing, storing and reporting information for decision-making purposes.

It's important to look at what are some of the threats and challenges of using ER/ES, and what methods you can use to mitigate these. Similarly, it is important to identify opportunities that might help companies decrease the cost of compliance and improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness through the use of ER/ES.

Topics

  • FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 guidance for electronic records and signatures
  • Pros and cons of implementing ER/ES capability
  • Cost-benefit analysis of implementing ER/ES capability
  • Risks associated with ER/ES implementation and potential mitigation
  • Organizational change management required to successfully implement and using ER/ES capability
  • Key roles and responsibilities required in the process of implementing, using and supporting systems with ER/ES capability
  • Integration of ER/ES capability in existing applications
  • Documenting ER/ES rationalization
  • Preparing for an FDA audit that will include scrutiny of applications with ER/ES capability
  • Examples of companies that have implemented ER/ES capability and discuss the rationale behind it, cost-benefit analysis conducted, risk assessment conducted and some of the outcomes, both successful and unsuccessful Compliance and Audit Managers

Instructor

Carolyn Troiano has more than 30 years of experience in computer system validation in the pharmaceutical, medical device, animal health and other FDA-regulated industries. She is currently managing a large, complex data migration, analytics and reporting program at a major financial institution.

During her career, Carolyn worked directly, or as a consultant, for many top-tier pharmaceutical companies in the US and Europe. She was responsible for computer system validation across all GxP functions at a major pharmaceutical company. Carolyn developed validation programs and strategies back in the mid-1980s, when FDA guidelines were first issued.

She was an industry reviewer for 21 CFR Part 11, the FDA's electronic record/electronic signature (ER/ES) regulation. She has taught ER/ES compliance, along with computer system validation and risk management/compliance at a number of Fortune 100 firms. Her experience includes work with FDA-regulated systems used in all areas of research, development, manufacturing, quality testing and distribution.

Carolyn has participated in industry conferences, providing very creative and interactive presentations. She is currently active in the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), and Project Management Institute (PMI) chapters in the Richmond, VA area. Carolyn also volunteers for the PMI's Educational Fund as a project management instructor for non-profit organizations.