Author: Josh Kasper

 

TechNation Invited several industry leaders to share their insights regarding patient monitors in this roundtable article. Neil Davidson, Director of Biomedical Services at ReNew Biomedical, answered questions regarding some new features HTM professionals should be aware of as well as cybersecurity concerns and more.

Q. What are some new features biomeds should seek out when a facility purchases patient monitors?
Neil Davidson: Data transmission is important on any new piece of equipment. Assuring that the unit’s software is compatible to EMRs is always pertinent when preparing for a change. New technology displays are featuring useful reporting capabilities for service technicians. Ask for a sample of the reporting technology. These “smart” units have the ability to tell you what is wrong and where to look first. Both are helpful when the units are desperately needed and you are in a time crunch. Remember to ask questions such as: Is it easy to do software upgrades on the units? Is it configurable to meet the needs of the medical practice? Does it have a battery backup and what is the lifespan of the battery? (Be aware that touch screen technology may bleed the lifespan of battery backup.) Touch screen versus button technology may present different challenges too. Is there a simple preventative maintenance plan for the unit or does the unit need a OEM-certified technician to do the work?

Q: What measures should be taken concerning cybersecurity?
Davidson: Nothing could be more underrated than the importance of cultivating a good working relationship with the IT department. Having an open line of communication with the OEM service department will also go a long way to resolve issues fast. Most newer models have software that requires updating periodically. It’s important to follow through on those updates because most manufacturers offer solutions before problems occur.

Q: How can Biomeds help extend usefulness of an older patient monitor?
Davidson: Yearly cleanings of the internal and external components of your units will certainly extend the life. Replacing the coins cells and batteries on a yearly basis or sooner will ensure that there is no unexpected down time. Make sure that your biomedical staff has access to all of the product manuals and each book is open to assist when necessary.

Q: With systems transitioning, how can Biomeds ensure that monitors are compatible?
Davidson: Never underestimate the value of research. Many OEM sales technicians can answer your questions before you sacrifice your budget on a unit that is not compatible with your EMR or other medical devices.

Q: What are the most important things to consider during a PM?
Davidson: Invest in top-quality testing equipment. Do your due diligence and check every box suggested by the OEM when testing. Keep clean documentation and file it away with the product’s serial number and additional materials. Clean the units with safe and gentle solutions. If you are outsourcing your service, make sure that your company of choice is ISO certified. Quality equipment can only stay in excellent condition if it has been serviced properly.

Q: What else do you think TechNation readers need to know about purchasing and servicing patient monitoring devices?
Davidson: Take the time to do your homework and do your best to force the work-arounds of ever-changing technology. Ask about the manual overrides, warranties or OEM service department contact numbers in case they are needed for future use. Saving all of that information in one file folder will go a long way in securing accurate information fast. Don’t forget how valuable that information can be in increasing the resale value of that unit. Consulting your service team when purchasing units will help to answer many unforeseen problems with new equipment. Most technicians have enough experience to assist any buying agent through a necessary equipment purchase. Allowing a service technician and a medical professional to test drive a unit before purchase should answer most questions ahead of time. Renting a new unit can also save money and worry. No one wants to make the wrong decision and many need more information then what the product manual provides.

Neil Davidson
Director of Biomed Services, ReNew Biomedical
Originally published in 
February 2020 edition of TechNation.

February 26, 2021

ReNew Biomedical hosted the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and local press, Jackson officials, and ambassadors for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official launch of the ReNew Biomedical Training Academy.

The Training Academy, announced by Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner Bob Rolfe in October 2020, aims to fight the shortage of skilled biomedical technicians in West TN. In light of the medical device industry’s explosion due to global health concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of medical devices requiring service is at an all-time high. Meanwhile, qualified and certified biomedical technicians are few, with their services in high demand. ReNew’s hands-on apprenticeship program offers training, workbench experience, and graduates will complete a CABT, Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology.

The ReNew Biomedical Training Academy is an official partner with AAMI and the Federal Department of Labor. AAMI supports HTMs and is the institute that sets the standard for credentials in the biomedical technician field.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s investment helped ReNew build a curriculum and a training facility equipped to educate and train new biomedical technicians on a variety of equipment. Training in the medical equipment industry includes defibrillators, ventilators, EKGs, vital signs monitors, IV pumps, AEDs, and more.

The Training Academy began classes in January of 2021 and held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 26. The RBTA is on pace to create over 45 skilled, high-paying jobs in the next five years. The apprenticeship is now accepting applications for students who wish to start in the fall. To apply or learn more about this program, click here.

 

Josh Kasper
Lead Marketing Designer, MME
February 5, 2021

Originally published as part of a roundtable on IV Pumps in the July 2020 edition of TechNation.

It is time once again for TechNation’s monthly roundtable feature article, this one focusing on IV pumps. Experts share their thoughts regarding the knowledge HTM professionals need, share cost-savings tips and more in this look at IV pumps.

Q: What is the one thing every HTM professional should know about IV pumps?
Tomlinson: A well-designed IV pump is one of the most undervalued types of units in the medical equipment industry and, as all medical professionals know, they are one of the most important machines available in a compromised situation. A well-maintained IV pump delivers and maintains the flow of life-saving medications. An IV pump that has not been correctly serviced can be inaccurate. An inaccuracy could potentially be life threatening depending on the medication being delivered. IV pump veracity is one of the most important specifications to look at when deciding to purchase a new model.

Q: What are some cost-saving tips you can share regarding IV pumps?
Tomlinson: One of the most cost-effective strategies that can be utilized for larger institutions is to invest in your HTMs IV pump training. Professionals rely on these units 24/7 and due to their usage hours, they need to have maintenance often for calibration accuracy. Uniformity is also a key strategy with IV management. Also, using OEM-suggested accessories will minimize valuable technician time and eliminate incompatibility errors. It also streamlines workflow and training.

Q: What are the latest advances in IV pumps that HTM professionals should be aware of in 2020?
Tomlinson: One of the more recent changes in IV pump preventive maintenance is the gradual shift to software-driven PMs. The benefit of eliminating human error when testing the accuracy of these devices cannot be understated. A tech savvy biomed is sure to reduce repair time, increase accuracy and accommodate intended drug delivery specifications which in return will improve patient’s health. Also, smart pumps can forewarn of a risk of adverse drug interactions, or potential dosage errors.

Q: How important are PMs and why?
Tomlinson: With IV pumps, PMs are critical and need to be conducted in a routine manner. We cannot underestimate the accuracy of these units because it can result in the life or death of a patient. Routine maintenance will ensure these units can be trusted to perform in their expected manner and with so many ways to make a mistake, this is one simple remedy that can be quickly enforced and trusted.

Q: What else do you think TechNation readers need to know about purchasing and servicing IV pumps?
Tomlinson: Selecting and servicing the correct infusion pump for your clinical needs is an important task. The cost and availability of sets and intervals of PMs should be factored into your decision, and you need a reliable tech to keep you up and running.

Ryan Tomlinson
Product Manager, Master Medical Equipment
Originally published in 
July 2020 edition of TechNation.

It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic put a strain on the medical equipment industry and, in particular, has tested the limits of ventilator capabilities worldwide. With the extraordinarily high volume of work performed by many ventilators in 2020, it is more important than ever that these life sustaining ventilators receive attentive and timely service. Neglecting service and routine maintenance can cause units, especially ones that have seen intense use, to perform poorly and provide less effective therapy. It is crucial to provide proper service and maintenance to avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s range of specs. These critical units need to continue to perform error-free at peak efficiency to save lives in 2021.

Healthcare providers looking to service their equipment in 2021 have a welcome break. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (Sec. 1001) extends the deadline for CARES Act relief expenditures to Dec 31, 2021. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services deems these funds to go toward any “healthcare-related expenses attributable to the coronavirus,” which not only covers equipment purchasing or renting but also service and maintenance of COVID-associated equipment. This extension gives healthcare providers the means to find appropriate care and service for their overworked units. Also, all ventilators with internal power sources need service every year regardless of use. Lithium-ion batteries have a finite shelf life and will require a technician before clinical use. As demand for ventilators spiked last year, so will the need for ventilator service spike in 2021. Plan a service schedule with qualified biomedical technicians to avoid a workload backup.

How do you select the best biomedical repair and service company to perform your critical ventilator service? As important as it is to service your ventilator, it is pointless if the biomedical techs do a shoddy job or cut corners. We recommend finding an option that is manufacturer-approved as a designated service center, reputable in the industry, and ISO certified. If a Biomed shop is an authorized service center, they have the manufacturer’s stamp of approval regarding their quality as well as factory trained Techs. Additionally, we challenge our buyers to search for their Biomed shop on Google Maps street view. You’d be surprised what turns up and at the types of facilities that your equipment is being repaired in . We also recommend that your depot be ISO 9001:2015 or 13485:2016 Certified (or higher). While the ISO Certification doesn’t license them to work on equipment, it does ensure that their processes and business quality are tightly regulated. This certification gives you peace-of-mind that you are dealing with a reputable company dedicated to quality and continually striving to improve their Biomedical Repair processes.

On behalf of ReNew Biomedical, we hold our Healthcare Technology Managers and Biomeds to these high standards and are preparing to accommodate the influx of equipment needing service in 2021. As we develop our infrastructure and facilities to take on more work this upcoming year, we embrace the challenge of servicing the hard-working units that have supported healthcare professionals on the front lines.

Lives depend on your ventilators’ reliability and efficiency, and they require service to stay optimally functional. As you send them in for service, make sure you hold your Biomedical Technicians to a higher standard in 2021. Your ventilators were under heavy stress this year; find them the premium service they deserve.