With the economy the way it has been the past few years, clinical engineering departments know full well that a top priority involves keeping current equipment working. Apart from mechanical issues, equipment damage can interfere with this strategy and can create a financial issue. In the February issue of 24x7, biomed Mark Brideson contributed the article “The Parachute Principle” that shared some of his practices to help keep medical equipment ready for use at a moment’s notice.

In the article Mark said: “Good patient outcomes and proper care require reliable, 100% functional equipment and it is our duty to make this happen. When equipment is grabbed for use, it should function as if a life depended on it, which it often does.”

He goes on to say that in a fast paced hospital environment, especially with a lot of patients and low staffing, clinicians have little time to deal with the technicalities of the equipment, as they remain focused on the patient. All of which “can result in equipment getting damaged because of a hectic pace.”

Have you implemented strategies in your facility to save time or prevent equipment damage? Share your ideas here to help other departments stay at the ready.

When speaking with the leadership team of the Georgia Biomedical Instrumentation Society (GBIS) for an upcoming feature, each was adamant that the biomed field is growing, a sentiment that seems contrary to the constant refrain of “Do more with less” that many biomeds that I speak with lament. They pointed to the increasing specialization of the field, including networking and facilities dedicated to specific modalities, as reasons for the growth.

In my discussions with biomeds, many are frustrated with the lack of personnel available for required tasks. In addition, most find it necessary to continue their education into areas like networking, which they previously were not required to know.

According to responses from the 24x7 2011 Compensation Survey “Among the biggest concerns expressed by respondents was the workload ‘creep’ that has many technology management professionals working longer hours. While it is still not at an epidemic stage—65% said their workload is still acceptable, down from 67% last year—it is an immediate issue for some. Those who answered ‘no’ to workload acceptability overwhelmingly complained that there is not enough staff for the amount of equipment they are expected to maintain.”

What are you impressions of the growth of the industry? Have you seen or do you anticipate the biomed industry to continue growing like the GBIS members assert or do you believe that workloads will increase for a largely static—or diminishing—number of biomeds?

It is no secret that the curriculum from one biomed training school to another varies. In fact, standardizing curriculum is a current AAMI focus, and one 24x7 will explore in the April issue. Not knowing exactly what skills a potential employee has coming out of school, or if “specific” skills may be common among BMETs, creates challenges for hiring managers.

Having this information can also benefit techs, enabling them to expand skills to possibly increase compensation. One of our readers in particular, Kevin Roach, would like to know what biomeds are “typically” trained in.

He provides all of the microscope service, as well as providing biomedical services, for a hospital that has more than 450 microscopes. He says: “I am curious how many biomeds actually do microscope repair on-site.”

Can you help Kevin? How does your hospital handle microscope repair? What is your experience when it comes to this?

Sharing your thoughts will not only help Kevin, but will also let others in the profession know how this service is handled elsewhere.