TRIMEDX President of Clinical Engineering Rob Moorey recently contributed an article to 24x7 Magazine (Sept. 23, 2024) and Quality Digest (Oct. 22, 2024) about how health systems can leverage cutting-edge technology to recruit and retain top-tier talent.
Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) are facing increased workloads and staffing shortages, which are expected to get worse as the current workforce retires. About a third of HTM professionals are over the age of 55, putting pressure on health systems to attract the next generation of BMETs. More than 7,000 additional BMETs are needed each year, but BMET programs are only graduating less than 400 per year. To address these challenges, health systems should leverage cutting-edge technology to draw in BMETs and provide them with a meaningful and fulfilling career.
A comprehensive, integrated CMMS with mobile capability will maximize technician efficiency, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and device availability–ensuring BMETs work smarter, not harder. Integrating technology such as artificial intelligence will also appeal to these sought-after professionals. Empowering technicians with modern tools, resources, and support can make health systems more attractive to top-tier talent.
Mobile apps can improve technician efficiency
One key differentiator for health systems looking to attract BMETs is the availability of a mobile application that streamlines daily tasks including ordering parts, requesting service, and completing documentation—all without leaving the worksite. While working on equipment, BMETs have traditionally had to manually jot down notes and then return to a central workstation later to place part orders or input data on a desktop. This dated method is inefficient and increases the risk of errors, while reducing the time technicians can spend on their core responsibilities of servicing the medical devices.
Many clinical engineering teams rely on desktop-based systems for ordering parts and managing service requests, which limits technician mobility and slows down operations. By equipping clinical engineering teams with a mobile app that integrates with the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), health systems can enable technicians to work directly at the medical devices, reducing the need for back-and-forth trips to a central workstation. This can dramatically increase BMET productivity and satisfaction. BMETs working on a medical device can determine they need a part, request the part, and close the work order all in real-time. This reduces errors, allows technicians to stay focused on their work at the devices, and helps them avoid burnout.
Health systems should work with a partner who specializes in clinical engineering and has an in-depth understanding of what BMETs need daily. That partner should provide a mobile app that allows technicians access to all the information and tools they need to service equipment confidently and efficiently from any location.
Automation and predictive technologies enhance productivity
Automation is playing a crucial role in improving BMET workflow. One of the standout features of modern platforms is the ability to automate test results from equipment directly into the system, eliminating the need for manual entry. TRIMEDX has found mobile, automated equipment testing can save technicians up to 10 minutes per equipment test. By automatically capturing test equipment results and integrating them directly into the work order system, health systems are ensuring accuracy and significantly reducing the time technicians spend on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on the technical aspects of their roles.
Health systems should also incorporate predictive work systems to monitor medical devices and proactively provide troubleshooting steps to technicians. Empowering BMETs with technology that identifies preventable failures and device problems before they happen, allows clinical engineering teams to address a problem before it results in a device failure. Not only does this make technicians’ jobs less stressful, but it also eliminates unforeseen equipment downtime and allows health systems to offer consistent care to patients.
Artificial intelligence: The future of biomedical technology
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how data is analyzed, problems are identified, and strategies are implemented across all industries. While the HTM field is still in the early stages of AI adoption, the evolving technologies present many opportunities for health systems, particularly in data analytics.
AI’s potential lies in its ability to shorten the time spent analyzing data and identifying problems, which can be a game-changer in the fast-paced healthcare environment. While clinical engineering teams may spend days analyzing data to find out if there is a problem with a specific part or medical device, AI-powered technologies can dramatically reduce that process. By using AI to quickly pinpoint issues, technicians can focus their efforts on resolving them rather than trying to identify what’s wrong in the first place. AI-powered technology can also recommend technicians order certain parts for medical devices based on historical device data. This will help BMETs act proactively and anticipate upcoming needs.
Additionally, machine-learning engines collect and analyze the vast amounts of data generated during equipment testing to continuously improve testing accuracy, minimize equipment downtime, increase technician efficiency, and ensure equipment is consistently in working order.
AI can be used to optimize service strategies in real time. Factors like equipment downtime, technician availability, and changes in vendor pricing can affect service strategies. AI can help health systems adjust to these changes quickly, allowing them to stay ahead of any potential issues that could affect efficiency or revenue.
Regulatory compliance: Simplifying overwhelming and complex processes
Technology can also help simplify the increasingly complex regulatory landscape in health care. Regulatory compliance is a major concern for health systems, as regulations constantly evolve. By providing mobile platforms and automated systems that keep technicians up to date on the latest regulatory requirements, health systems can ensure compliance while minimizing the burden on their staff. Automated updates to policies, procedures, and compliance requirements allow technicians to stay informed and prepared for any inspections or audits, without the need for time-consuming and often overwhelming manual tracking. While this would be a massive undertaking for a single health system, executives can rely on a partner with a strong regulatory team in place.
Recruiting and retaining the next generation of talent
Workforce challenges, including personnel shortages and staff burnout, ranked number one on the list of hospital CEOs’ concerns in 2023. Embracing technology is key to both improving the efficiency of current BMETs and attracting BMETs of the future. The next generation of clinical engineering professionals grew up in a world where mobile apps, automation, and AI are the norm, not the exception. Offering cutting-edge tools that align with their expectations and skillsets makes the industry more appealing to younger, tech-savvy professionals.
These technological advancements can be a huge recruitment tool for health systems. Organizations that offer potential hires a more efficient, streamlined, and technology-driven work environment have a competitive edge in attracting the best talent.
Mobile platforms, automation, AI, and streamlined regulatory compliance are essential tools for staying competitive in today’s clinical engineering landscape. Health systems that invest in these technologies will not only enhance their operations but also position themselves as industry leaders capable of attracting top talent.