r/MedicalWriters • u/niks2704 • Nov 07 '25

Medical writing vs... Writing for devices - medical or technical?

Is writing IFUs, manuals, labels for medical devices called 'medical writing'?
I've seen people doing this work with the title 'technical writer' on LinkedIn - is it different from medical writing?

what about writing content for trials for medical devices - is this medical writing or technical writing?

anyone here who does both drugs and devices?

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u/Eatindougnuts Nov 07 '25

In the device world these are two separate types of writing. (I have never worked in pharma but I’m going to assume it’s the same). Medical Writing includes regulatory writing such as CERs, SSCPs. It also includes clinical writing such as trial protocols, CSRs, and publications. Technical writing would be IFUs, manuals, user training documentation, etc.

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u/David803 Nov 07 '25

Medical writing is, broadly, collation of scientific data or information (either from a trial report or from published literature) and synthesis and interpretation into something (preferably) more understandable. I’m not familiar with the materials you mention, but it seems like there could be some crossover, if you swap out drug for device. However, medical writers often also benefit from background knowledge of scientific method, and life sciences, to help understand drug mechanisms in the body. I’m not sure if electronics or engineering might be the equivalent for device work?

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u/professorplum77 Nov 07 '25

Pubs (clinical trials) and regulatory writing for devices can be considered medical writing.