TRIMEDX Chief Operating Officer Kristi McDermott recently contributed an article to 24x7 Magazine and Healthcare Business Today about how health systems can prepare for a transformative year in health care. The full article, as it appeared on Jan. 2, 2025, and Jan. 9, 2025, is below.
2025 is set to be a transformative year for the healthcare industry, with the potential to reshape healthcare technology management, cybersecurity, and patient care. The changes will largely be driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its adoption, shifts in international trade dynamics, and the urgent need for workforce development. Together, these forces will significantly influence how organizations deliver care, manage costs, and prepare for the future.
Driving productivity and innovation with AI
AI will continue to redefine the healthcare technology management (HTM) industry in 2025. The earlier organizations responsibly adopt AI, the better positioned they will be to capitalize on its potential. From optimizing labor productivity to enhancing device security, there are seemingly endless AI applications in development.
The most successful organizations will realize that AI should not replace a human workforce. Instead, AI should empower people by making their jobs more efficient and rewarding. For example, health systems can work with a partner who has predictive analytics to streamline maintenance schedules and diagnose potential problems before they occur, minimizing equipment downtime and improving patient care.
AI will also revolutionize cybersecurity. It will bring about new ways to bolster defenses and safeguard sensitive patient data, but it will also lead to increasingly sophisticated cyberattack methods. Health systems must ensure they have the people, processes, and technology in place to protect patients’ private information, hospitals’ ability to provide timely care, and the organization’s reputation.
As we enter the new year, AI is no longer optional. Organizations that don’t integrate AI into their operations risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive landscape. 2025 will be a pivotal year for health systems to position themselves for success in this rapidly advancing space.
Navigating trade uncertainty
Global trade policies and economic conditions will be a source of uncertainty for health systems throughout 2025, as a new U.S. presidential administration and Congress take office. The potential for new tariffs and changes to trade agreements could disrupt global supply chains and increase prices.
Health systems can prepare for possible trade turbulence by ensuring they have an in-depth, accurate view of their medical device inventory. A comprehensive understanding of the equipment within the organization, including device location, utilization, and lifecycle stage, will allow health systems to make data-driven decisions that reflect their true needs.
Disturbances to the international supply chain, like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, underscore the need for robust supplier relationships. While it is often difficult for health systems to build and maintain these relationships alone, they can collaborate with a partner that already has a deep network of vendor relationships. A partner with a proven track record in this area can ensure health systems have access to essential equipment and parts, even amid potential disruptions.
Working with a reliable partner can also shield health systems from volatile price fluctuations on individual parts. A healthcare technology management partner that provides fixed and transparent pricing can offer financial predictability and operational reliability, allowing them to focus on their core mission of delivering excellent patient care.
As trade uncertainties persist, having a trusted partner with a record of resilience and adaptability will be essential for health systems to thrive.
Building the future of HTM through workforce development
The demand for skilled workers within the HTM field continues to outpace supply. More than 7,000 additional biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) are needed each year, but BMET programs are graduating fewer than 400 annually. Organizations need to make workforce development a top priority to address this challenge.
Creating more training and educational opportunities will play a key role in attracting new talent to the industry in the new year and beyond. Apprenticeship programs are excellent ways for organizations to equip individuals with the skills needed to become BMETs. These programs can also help boost employee retention and instill company loyalty. Throughout 2025, businesses and policymakers should focus on expanding access to hands-on training to create new pathways for individuals from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds to enter the field.
Health systems should also strive to foster a more engaged and productive workforce by utilizing the latest technology and most advanced processes. By providing biomeds with the tools they need to perform their jobs, and making the work more enjoyable and fulfilling, organizations will build a more sustainable workforce.
In short, the HTM field will face many opportunities and challenges in 2025. The most successful organizations will embrace innovation, adapt to global challenges, and invest in their people.