Doctors should check medical devices used by them or their patients that may be affected by this week’s shutdown of 3G networks across Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Association has warned medical devices such as heart and glucose monitors and personal medical alarms could be impacted by the changes.
As of October 28, Telstra and Optus have switched off their third-generation networks as 3G networks are decommissioned across the country. TPG Telecom and Vodafone switched their networks off at the beginning of this year.
The shutdown will impact any devices using 3G for data transmission, as well as some 4G products that rely on 3G networks to make emergency calls.
Newer devices that use Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, or Bluetooth for calls and data transmission are not expected to be affected.
A TGA spokesperson said healthcare providers will likely have already been contacted by medical device sponsors if they have impacted devices.
“Healthcare providers should review any medical devices in their use, or with their patients, that may be affected by the 3G shutdown If a medical device is impacted by the 3G shutdown, they are encouraged to contact the relevant medical device supplier or manufacturer to seek a replacement or upgrade from them directly.
“Not all devices will be affected. Older devices that rely exclusively on 3G for data transmission or to make calls are more likely to be at risk. There will be no data, texts, calls, or even the ability to contact triple-0 if a device is on the 3G network.”
Doctors should also ensure that devices critical for emergency communication, such as personal alarms or implanted devices, are not at risk of losing functionality.
Medical devices that may be impacted by the 3G network closure:
- Monitoring devices for cardiac resynchronisation therapy
- Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators
- Glucose data transmitters
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy machines
- Telehealth devices
- Wearable health monitors
- Portable automated external defibrillators (AED)
- Other medical devices that rely on 3G network
- Personal safety pendants
- Fall detection systems
- Home security alarms
- GPS tracking devices (for elderly or vulnerable individuals)
- Smartwatches with emergency features
- Non-medical alert systems
- Automated medication dispensers
- Basic emergency response devices
- Mobile communication devices used by care providers
The TGA said it was not aware of any implantable devices affected by the network shutdown that will cause the device to stop functioning, however communication to the remote monitoring systems may be impacted.
Dr Ramya Raman, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners WA chair, said GPs should be well-informed of the devices that may be impacted by these changes.
“GPs are in a trusted position to have those conversations with patients,” she said.
“If patients do have any queries, I would really encourage them to reach out to their doctor.”
Manufacturers and suppliers of medical devices are expected to inform healthcare professionals and those using devices of the next steps to guarantee the device continues to work.
People using medical devices should seek help from the supplier of the device if they think it might be affected or replace the device if it is impacted by the network closure.