by
Christina Hwang, Contributing Reporter | May 18, 2016
From the May 2016 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Rob Maliff: A lot more medical devices are becoming more integrated into EMRs, so biomedical engineers have to collaborate more with the IT staff members. There are things that the clinicians have to figure out. For example, if an anesthesia data management system isn’t working, we have to figure out what the problem is. Is it a network issue or device issue? We have seen a lot of centralization of call centers or work order systems, so it is a “one-stop-shop." If there’s any problem with system performance, the clinician enters one number into their online system and then it is parceled out to the IT department or HTM department.
Curt Rodriguez:With the higher demand for device integration, and with the incorporation of newer medical device technology, the support models have changed quite drastically in some cases. We’ve had to develop and implement support models, workflows and process improvement strategies to meet the level of service the new technology might require.
For my team, this means looking at the technology and becoming familiar with its interoperability with the EMR. What if the device goes down? What is the impact on patient care and data flow to the EMR? Do we have contingencies and redundancies built into our program? We have to determine what the risks are and figure out how to minimize those risks while increasing efficiencies and throughput. We also take a much broader look at training, and information resources based on the scope of incorporated services we provide. We also evaluate our competencies within our on-call first responder programs on a continuing basis.
HCB News: How do you stay current with the newest technology in medical equipment and maintenance?
Raju Bharaj:There are many possible choices to choose from with staying current on the newest technology. I read medical technology journals and conduct research if my department’s input is needed when purchasing new equipment. Once a month, my department has a one-on-one discussion on what is needed, and we also get weekly calls from the imaging department, which keeps us abreast of changes. I also work with engineers from OEMs and do training with them.
Izabella Gieras: I try to attend professional conferences and different webinars that provide tons of information. Many professional journals have relevant topics to what is going on in the industry. We also have local organizations such as the California Medical Instrumentation Association (CMIA), which provides not just meetings for the members, but also educational sessions. These local organizations can provide much valuable exposure to the HTM staff as well.
