TechNation January 2024 by MD Publishing

1technation.com

Vol. 15

JANUARY 2024

ADVANCING THE BIOMEDICAL / HTM PROFESSIONAL

FROM INFLUENCER TO

DECISION MAKER HTM’s Role in Contract Negotiation PAGE 48

P.12 | TECH CHOICE AWARDS: Voting Ends January 12

P.18 | PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH: Morton Campbell P.20 | SHIFTING GEARS: Sharing is Caring

P.56 | THE FUTURE: Adjustments for the New Year

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TRAINING COURSE TITLE

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Jan 8-19

Principles of Servicing Diagnostic X-Ray Systems (Phase 1)

X-RAY CERTIFICATE SERIES

Feb 5-16

MARCH

Week 2 Apr 8-12

JUNE

Philips Digital & Bucky Diagnost

SEPTEMBER 16

OCTOBER

Sep 9-20

Aug 19-30

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 9

Week 1 Dec 9-13

Week 2 Dec 16-20

Nov 4-15

Oct 7-18

Oct 21-Nov 1

Sep 23-Oct 4

Dec 2-13

Nov 4-15

Sep 23-27

Nov 5-7

Oct 28-Nov 1 Sep 23-27

I Mar 11-15

Jan 8-12

Apr 2-5*

Feb 5-9

May 20-24

May 13-17

Injector Systems GE AMX Portable (IV, IV+) Mar 25-29

Apr 22-26

Shimadzu MobileDaRt Evolution Portables (Evolution EFX, MX7) Canon RadPro Digital Philips MobileDiagnost Digital

Apr 29May 3 Apr 29May 3

Fuji FDR Go & Go Plus

Feb 26Mar 1

OEC 9900 C-Arm OEC Elite (CFD) Flat Panel C-Arm

May 6-10

Mar 18-29

Multi-Product C-Arm OEC 9800/9900

Jan 22-26

Apr 8-12

Philips BV Pulsera C-Arm

GE Digital Mammography (1-week ESSENTIAL only) Apr 22-26

Hologic Selenia Digital Mammography Jan 29Feb 2

Hologic Dimensions 3D Tomo Digital Mammography Hologic MG Products: Affirm, SecurView, R2, ATEC Sapphire

Feb 5-9

Mar 6-8

Principles of Servicing US Systems (2.5 days) Philips Epiq 5 & Epiq 7 (2.5 days) Philips iU22/iE33 (2.5 days)

Apr 15-19

Mar 11-13 Mar 13-15

Oct 21-24

Nov 11-15

Sep 16-18 Sep 18-20

G Dec 2-6 Dec 4-6

Dec 9-11 Sep 30-Oct 11 Oct 14-25 Oct 28-Nov 1 Oct 14-25

May 6-17

Dec 2-13

Mar 18-29

Jan 22-Feb 2

Dec 2-13

Oct 7-11

Sep 11-13

Apr 8-19

Philips Brilliance Family

Siemens Definition Family

Aug 12-16

Sep 30-Oct 11

Jul 8-12

Siemens Sensation Family

Aug 5-16

Mar 11-22

Sep 9-20

Jun 3-14

Jan 15-26

Apr 8-19

Dec 9-20

Jul 15-26

Oct 28-Nov 8

Feb 19-Mar 1 Feb 26Mar 1

Jun 3-7

Siemens Symbia Family Apr 22-26

CRES Certification Prep

EXHIBITS, PRESENTATIONS & NOTES

Nov 11-15

Oct 14-18

Jun 17-28

GE Revolution & Discovery CT

GE Excite & GEMS MRI Family (X)

Sep 23-Oct 4

Jun 3-14

Servicing Multivendor MRI Systems

Nov 4-8

Aug 19-23

Jul 8-12

Oct 28-Nov 1

Aug 26-30

Aug 5-9

A Jun 24-26

GE Logiq E9, Vivid E9 (2.5 days)

Principles of Servicing Nuclear Medicine Systems

Aug 19-23

Oct 28-Nov 1

A N

Oct 21-25

Sep 30-Oct 4

GE Optima, Brivo, VCT, LS, BS CT Family

Siemens MRI Family (Aera, Skyra, Espree, Avanto)

Nov 11-15

Sep 30-Oct 4

D Jun 19-21

Principles of Servicing Multivendor CT Systems

Jul 29-Aug 2

Jun 3-7

Apr 29May 3

Siemens Inspiration or Novation Multi-Vendor Bone Densitometry

Oct 7-11 Oct 7-11

Jul 29-Aug 2

Jun 3-14

Philips Allura FD Family (FD10/FD20) Lorad Multicare Platinum Breast Biopsy System

Nov 18-22

Aug 26-30

GE Innova/IGS/Optima Family (21/31/4100, 3XX/5XX/6XX)

Nov 18-22

Sep 23-27

Jul 22-26 Jul 22-26

Jun 17-21

Apr 29May 3

Philips Veradius C-Arm

Aug 12-16

Jul 8-12

Apr 8-12

GE Optima XR200/XR220/XR240, & Brivo XR285 Digital Portables

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

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Shimadzu RADspeed/RADspeed Pro

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MRI

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Siemens AXIOM Luminos TF

ULTRASOUND

Sep 9-20

GE Proteus

WOMEN'S HEALTH

May 20-24

Intro to Diagnostic Imaging & PACS For Managers & Sales Professionals

GE Precision 600FP

CARDIAC

May 14-16

Philips Easy Diagnost Eleva

C-ARMS

JULY Jul 8-19

Jun 17-28

Feb 5-9

GE Precision 500D R/F

PORTABLES

May 13-24 Jan 29Feb 2

PACS Engineer/Administrator Certification (Phase 1) - eLearning PACS Engineer/Administrator Certification (Phase 2) - eLearning

GE Optima/Discovery/Definium DR Family: Optima XR640/XR646, Discovery XR650/XR656, Definium 6000/8000

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Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Systems Analysis (Phase 4)

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Mar 18-29

Jan 8-19

Advanced Digital Imaging Systems Maintenance (Phase 3)

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Jan 22-Feb 2

Advanced Radiographic Systems Maintenance (Phase 2)

APRIL

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CONTENTS P.12 SPOTLIGHT p.12 Tech Choice Awards p.14 Department of the Month: The Baylor Scott & White HTM Service Center p.16 Next Gen: Jacob K. Perez p.18 Professional of the Month: Morton Campbell p.20 Shifting Gears: Sharing is Caring P.24 INDUSTRY UPDATES p.24 News & Notes p.31 Ribbon Cutting: Evolve Medical Solutions p.32 AAMI Update p.34 ECRI Update P.36 THE BENCH p.36 Biomed 101 p.38 Webinar Wednesday p.39 Tools of the Trade

42 P.42 FEATURE ARTICLES p.42 Roundtable: Patient Monitors p.48 Cover Story: From Influencer to Decision Maker: HTM’s Role in Contract Negotiation P.53 EXPERT ADVICE p.53 Career Center p.54 SPONSORED: Innovatus Imaging p.56 The Future P.58 CONNECTED p.58 Cybersecurity p.62 HIMSS p.64 Networking Notes p.66 Get Connected Company Directory

TechNation (Vol. 15, Issue #1) January 2024 is published monthly by MD Publishing, 1015 Tyrone Rd., Ste. 120, Tyrone, GA 30290. TechNation magazine is dedicated to providing medical equipment service professionals with comprehensive, reliable, information concerning medical equipment, parts, service and supplies. It is published monthly by MD Publishing, Inc. Subscriptions are available free of charge to qualified individuals within the United States. Publisher reserves the right to determine qualification for a free subscriptions. Every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of content; however, the information, opinions, and statements expressed in the articles and advertisements herein are those of the writer and/or advertiser, and not necessarily those of the publisher. ©2024

January 2024 | TechNation 9

PUBLISHER

John M. Krieg

VICE PRESIDENT

Kristin Leavoy

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jayme McKelvey

EDITORIAL

John Wallace

CONTRIBUTORS

Roger Bowles K. Richard Douglas Jim Fedele Joie Marhefka Manny Roman Steven J. Yelton

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Megan Cabot Emily Hise

ART DEPARTMENT

Karlee Gower Taylor Hayes Kameryn Johnson

DIGITAL SERVICES

Cindy Galindo Kennedy Krieg Haley Wells

EVENTS

Kristin Leavoy

WEBINARS

Linda Hasluem

HTMJOBS.COM

Kristen Register Sydney Krieg

ACCOUNTING

Diane Costea

CIRCULATION

Joanna Manjarrez

EDITORIAL BOARD Rob Bundick, Director HTM & Biomedical Engineering, ProHealth Care Carol Davis-Smith, CCE, FACCE, AAMIF, Owner/ President of Carol Davis-Smith & Associates, LLC Jim Fedele, CBET, Senior Director of Clinical Engineering, UPMC Bryant Hawkins Sr., Site Manager, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans

P.69 BREAKROOM p.69 TechNation Poll p.71 [Contest] What’s on Your Bench? p.73 SPONSORED: MedWrench Bulletin Board p.75 Biomed Brainbuster p.82 Show Us Your Shop p.78 Service Index p.81 Alphabetical Index

Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/TechNationMag Follow us on LinkedIn, linkedin.com/company/iamtechnation Subscribe to TechNation TV, youtube.com/@TechNation_TV

Benjamin Scoggin, MBA, MMCi, Director, Clinical Engineering | Biomedical Operations, Equipment Distribution, Clinical IT, DHTS, Duke Health Technology Solutions Allison Woollford, Biomedical Equipment Specialist at Duke University Health System

MD Publishing / TechNation Magazine 1015 Tyrone Rd., Ste. 120, Tyrone, GA 30290 800.906.3373 • Fax: 770.632.9090 Email: info@mdpublishing.com www.mdpublishing.com

10 TechNation | January 2024

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Introducing the 2024

Tech Choice Awards ( Th e W r e n c FINALISTs

The W rench ies

hie s)

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY:

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:

Will Axon CBET

Larry Sanlin BMET III

Taylor Dunbar Michele Manzoli Broderick Richard Clinical Engineering CCE CCE Specialist

Allison Woolford

D’Juan James

Ben Scoggin

Jessica Pitterka

Isaiah Ledesma

Houston Methodist Biomedical Engineering Department (GE managed)

The Central Peninsula Hospital Biomedical Engineering Department

UConn Health Clinical Engineering Department

Keck Medicine of USC Biomedical Engineering Department

ProHealth Care Biomedical Engineering Department

Rhonda Breeden

Daniel Cheramie

Laura Plascencia

Keven Sun

Christopher Walters

Anthony McCabe

Nicholas Mihaltses

DEPARTMENT OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY:

ISO EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY: Crothall Healthcare

Trimedx

Sodexo

CME Corp

Global Med Systems

DIRECTOR/MANAGER OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY:

Director of Clinical Engineering at the University of Miami Health System

Director of Biomedical Services at Crothall Healthcare

Director, Clinical Engineering at Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Chris Nowak

Trimedx Senior Site Manager for West Michigan serving Sparrow Health System and Holland Hospital

Jeff Ruiz

Leticia Reynolds

Ken O’Day

William “Bill” Hascup

Binseng Wang

Ed Sloan

Vendor Services Manager at UCHealth

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: SPONSORED BY:

12 TechNation | January 2024

Patrick Lynch

CHTM, CBET, CCE, MBA, CPHIMS

Sales Consultant (former V/P of Sales) for BC Group

BMET III Trimedx

VP program management at Sodexo

Owner at ESP Inc

MILITARY BMET OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY:

Josh Garvin

(Army) VISN 10 Information Systems Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Josh Watkins

(Navy) Technical Instructor, Global Education and Training Center, GE Healthcare

Tom Hanak (Air Force) Senior Service Director at MW Imaging

Morton Campbell (Army) Imaging Specialist I at Erlanger Health

HUMANITARIAN AWARD: SPONSORED BY:

Edward Reyes

Lead Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs

Brian Gore

Emmanual Essah

Derrick Kamina

Praygod Lyimo

Terri Crofts

Dana Hamed

Samantha

Carol Davis-Smith

Biomedical Equipment Specialist, Duke University Hospital Clinical Engineering

Biomedical Project Manager at Mercy Ships

Technical Services Manager at Gradian Health Systems

Senior Biomedical Engineer at Gradian Health Systems

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD: SPONSORED BY:

Andrea Brainard

CBET, CHTM, Texas Childrens Health

Jacques Sr. Regional Director Clinical Engineering VP Clinical Engineering Operations (Northeast) Supervisor at McLaren Health at Crothall Healthcare Middlesex Health

President Carol Davis-Smith & Associates LLC

INGENUITY AWARD: Josh Williams

Natsumi Shiotani

Cullen Ross

Carl Cross

Codi Nelson

Field Service Tech at Renew Biomedical

Director-Medical Device Integrations, Projects & Equipment Services Healthcare Technology Management for Crothall Healthcare

Biomedical Project Manager at Mercy Ships

Biomedical Engineer at VHA

Program Director for Crothall Healthcare

BC Group

MW Imaging

Sage Services

PM Biomedical

Pronk Technologies

North Carolina Biomedical Association

Florida Biomedical Society

California Medical Instrumentation Association

Clinical Engineering Association of Illinois

HTMA-Texas

Justin Barbour

Bryant Hawkins, Sr

OUTSTANDING VENDOR OF THE YEAR: ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY:

INDUSTRY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR: SPONSORED BY:

Better Biomed

VOTING FOR THE WINNERS WILL END JANUARY 12.

HTM on the Line

Kim Rowland

Director of Business Development and Marketing for RSTI

Chace Torres

Bearded Biomed

Carlos Villafane

BiomedTechnicians.com

1technation.com/tech-choice-awards

SPOTLIGHT

DEPARTMENT OF THE MONTH

The Baylor Scott & White HTM Service Center BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS ot every HTM department covers general biomed. There are specialty teams within the profession that focus on various subspecialties.

These specialty teams can usually only be created within larger health systems that have large inventories of certain medical instruments. Scopes are an example of an instrument used in great frequency that require regular maintenance and sterilization. The HTM Service Center at Baylor Scott & White is a specialty team that addresses the special requirements of scopes in the larger health system. “The department consists of 11 technicians. There are five flexible endoscope repair techs, two rigid endoscope repair techs and four instrument sharpening techs. The service center supports the service and maintenance of the entire Baylor Scott and White Health system,” says Carol L. Wyatt, MPA, CBET CHTM, director of SCS at Baylor Scott and White Health in Dallas, Texas. Carlos Puerta manages the group. “First, we’ve got a diverse group of technicians, each of which has unique strengths. It’s like having a bunch of specialists in the squad. Some of these technicians are wizards in dealing with small-diameter endoscopes. You know, those tiny cameras that need some extra care. They’ve got the skills and expertise to handle those delicate repairs. On the other hand, we’ve got techs who are experts in handling the larger endoscopes. These are the big guns, and they know how to fix them correctly,” Wyatt says. Wyatt adds that the team also has a couple of mobile staff who are on the road. “They have this excellent mobile sharpening setup in

14 TechNation | January 2024

a truck or lab and travel to different BSW locations. They’re like the pit crew of endoscope maintenance, making sure everything is sharp and ready to roll. Meanwhile, the other two technicians stick to one specific facility. They’ve got their hands full there, but it allows them to tackle a broader range of repairs right at the home base,” Wyatt says. Wyatt says that it’s all about utilizing each team member’s strengths. “We make sure that each technician is doing what they’re best at, whether it’s handling the small stuff, the big stuff, or keeping those tools razor-sharp. It’s like a well-orchestrated team, and that’s how we keep everything running smoothly,” she says. The HTM Service Center supports more than 5,000 scopes and thousands of instruments at all BSW hospitals and many of the health system’s clinics. RESPONDING TO SPECIAL NEEDS Even on a specialty team, there can be special projects. Some projects are tackled to make life easier for clinicians and others are targeted at utilizing the team’s specialized knowledge to keep devices fully functional. “We’ve started using lasers to etch the instruments with whatever info the departments need. Why’s that a big deal? It means you can still know which instrument is which without the hassle of tape. It’s all about making life easier for the folks using these instruments day in and day out,” Wyatt says. She says that on the endoscope side, it’s all about keeping those precious tools in great shape and making them last longer. “Our team has some real experts who know these endoscopes inside and out. We’ve teamed up with department leaders to figure out how to prevent damage and extend the life of these instruments,” Wyatt says. She says that it’s really all thanks to the fantastic repair technicians.

Members of the Baylor Scott & White HTM Service Center include (from left to right) Andres Torres, Rene Hernandez, Carlos Puerta, William Mon, Richard Custer, Kevin Halloran, Korey Ladan and Andrew Freeman.

“They’ve got a boatload of knowledge and are fearless in “They knew the clock was ticking, and a surgical team putting in that extra effort to ensure our customers are happy. was counting on them. They performed the necessary They’re the unsung heroes who keep things running smoothly repairs, leaving no room for errors. It was a race against behind the scenes. In a nutshell, we’re all about making life easier time, and they were determined to win. With the freshly for the folks using these instruments and endoscopes and repaired endoscope, our team hustled back to the surgical ensuring they’re in top-notch condition. We’re here to serve you location, ensuring it was back in the surgeon’s hands just and keep things working like a charm,” in time for the procedure,” Wyatt adds. Wyatt adds. She says that the surgical team “They’ve got a boatload breathed a sigh of relief when they The team has also proven its value under more pressing circumstances. Their saw our technician with the repaired of knowledge and are quick actions have even ascertained when endoscope. They knew they could a procedure did not have to be delayed to fearless in putting in that continue the procedure without any another day. issues. extra effort to ensure our “There was a situation at a facility “The procedure went off without a where the surgical team was all set for a hitch. It’s one of those moments when customers are happy. procedure. Everything was scheduled, evyou realize the importance of a well-preeryone was prepped, and the room was pared and responsive service center. They’re the unsung set. But here’s the twist – they ran into a We came through when it counted most, heroes who keep things keeping things running smoothly in the hiccup with their trusty endoscope. And to make matters worse, they didn’t have any running smoothly behind hospital and ensuring patient care spare scopes on hand. You could imagine wasn’t compromised. It’s a testament to the collective ‘uh-oh’ that must’ve gone our dedication and commitment to the scenes.” through the team,” Wyatt says. helping our health care partners in their - Carol L. Wyatt The clinicians knew exactly who to call. time of need,” Wyatt says. “Our Service Center was their go-to. Away from the workplace, Wyatt Without hesitation, they reached out to us, and that’s when says that, when possible, the team attends HTMA-NTX things started moving. Our team didn’t waste a moment. They meetings in North Texas. were already on the road early in the morning, heading to the In a large health care system, a specialized team can surgical team’s location. The clock was ticking, and time was of provide a dedicated service to ascertain that devices are the essence. They arrived, identified the issue, and didn’t waste providing optimum performance. That is the HTM a second. With the problematic endoscope in hand, they reService Center, a team of experts with the skills to turned to the service center,” Wyatt says. supplement HTM’s more general duties and help She says that the skilled technicians got right to work. clinicians best serve patients. January 2024 | TechNation 15

SPOTLIGHT

NEXT GEN POWERED BY YP AT MD

ULTRASOUND ULTRASOUND SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONSFOR FOR EVERY EVERYSCENARIO SCENARIO

Jacob K. Perez

acob K. Perez is a graduate of Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering-Biomedical. He currently serves as a senior biomedical engineer with ProHealth Care. TechNation recently found out more about Perez.

Q: WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? A: I grew up in the small town of South Elgin, Illinois. It is west of Chicago and Schaumburg, but is still considered a suburb of Chicago. Q: WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR HTM TRAINING/ EDUCATION? A: Besides through the universities, I have received training through the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for specific devices/systems, with the main two being GE HealthCare and Dräger. Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER HTM? A: After graduating (in 2020 during the COVID pandemic), I applied for a HTM position through Aurora, specializing in “Health at Home” equipment. Q: HOW DID YOU CHOOSE TO GET INTO THIS FIELD? A: Growing up, my parents wanted my brothers and I to either specialize in medicine or engineering. When I was in high school, I decided to get my CNA certification as my mom was getting her RN degree. I was also taking a PLTW course that assisted in piquing my interest in the engineering side. I do like the design/engineering side of medical equipment, but I’m more of a hands-on and troubleshooting kind of guy.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR POSITION? A: When dealing with equipment, I love the testing part and working across departments. Whenever I fix an issue with a device, I always test it to make sure everything works properly. With some equipment, there are not any patient simulators, so I have the most fun when I test on myself. I also enjoy knowing that procedures I come up with are the most time-efficient way of testing.

16 TechNation | January 2024

Q: WHAT INTERESTS YOU THE MOST ABOUT HTM? A: Building and planning time-efficient procedures for testing/ maintenance, being able to work on projects and collaborating with other departments – especially when it comes to new equipment and setups. Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR FIELD THUS FAR? A: Being able to specialize in DCAR systems such as EKG and stress lab equipment. When issues arise with these types of equipment at any hospital location and/or clinic, I get the final look to determine if the device requires depot service or if I can fix it. Q: WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS? A: Within my field, I always look towards improving the department as a whole. I like to be involved in any way I can be and being an “all-round” person helps with that.

FUN FACTS FAVORITE HOBBY:

I love playing and watching tennis whenever possible. I’m not professionally good, nor do I want to be because I love to play to have fun.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE:

Hard to pick just one, because I love all sorts of Sci-Fi shows. If I had to choose, “Stargate” for show and “Bird Box” for movie.

FAVORITE MEAL:

Hispanic dish called Mole y Arroz (Mole and Rice). There are 3 different types of mole but my favorite is the spicy red with chocolate.

WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERPOWER BE?

EVEN EVEN FORFOR THISTHIS

Choosing one is also a hard thing to do, but to solve that, I would choose the superpower of “imitating.” For example, if I could be Kirby without having to swallow the power/ability I want, that would be better.

1 THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Skydive, which I have completed and began lesson to skydive solo and not tandem.

SOMETHING YOUR CO-WORKERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I was part of a Hip-Hop dance group at Marquette called Hype and since then, I love and enjoy dancing.

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SPOTLIGHT

PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH Giving and Receiving

Morton Campbell

BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS

ne of the leading health care providers in Tennessee is Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga. It is a part of the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network.

Erlanger Health System covers a 63-county service area, as well as the tertiary care facility central to the area’s Regional Trauma System covering Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. The system includes seven hospitals. Erlanger Health System includes southeast Tennessee’s only Level I Trauma Center. According to the system’s website, “We are a nationally acclaimed, multi-hospital health system anchored by a leading academic medical center.” The system’s clinical engineering department includes several professionals who maintain the system’s inventory of medical equipment. One of those professionals is Morton Campbell, Imaging Specialist I. The person who nominated Campbell for professional of the month said, “While he currently specializes in imaging, he began as a general biomed. He will jump in to help any teammate out whether it is specific to imaging or one of his earlier skills. He also mentors new hires, bringing out their skill set and encouraging them along their new career path.” 18 TechNation | January 2024

Campbell is a military-trained biomed who received instruction in imaging and general biomed. “I had a good friend/mentor in the military reserves, who was in the BMET profession. He spoke highly of the career and the training that he received from the military. My unit was closing due to reorganization of our ‘combat hospital’ and I was offered to reclass into BMET since my previous job as a radiology tech was unavailable,” Campbell says. Campbell went through the Biomedical Equipment Specialist Program with the U.S. Army, located at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. “It is a 41-week training program that covers basics for servicing and maintaining all medical equipment with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, digital, optical and radiological principles. We were taught to troubleshoot and isolate malfunctions to a board level, and how to repair and replace defective components,” he says. Campbell has the background to wear multiple hats when it comes to medical equipment repair and maintenance. “I held a BMET Tech level 1 for approximately six months and transitioned over to the Imaging Specialist 1 role due to my background as a radiology tech in the Army Reserves; seemed like a better fit and the path I wanted in my career. I am currently the primary tech for our ultrasounds,” he says. IDENTIFYING TEE PROBE ISSUES In terms of challenges, Campbell had to get up to speed when first tasked with handling ultrasound

duties. He had good support throughout the process. “I would consider a fast-learning curve, when I started, we had two techs to handle ultrasounds, shortly after I switched over to imaging specialist, I primarily was handling maintenance and service calls, by myself. I have had excellent support from the more seasoned imaging techs to lean on and help from third-party vendors. I currently handle over 170 ultrasounds throughout the Erlanger Health System,” he says. In addition to more routine duties, Campbell has helped resolve some big issues. “During the last year, I was repairing TEE probes at an unreasonable rate in our cardiovascular OR. I went down and started to talk to the staff to understand what the cause could be. I was able to identify the main issue was how the probes were being stored in a ‘dirty’ state and [a] secondary issue was [that] training on TEE probes was nonexistent,” he says. Campbell was able to work with the department head to acquire a storage cabinet to store the probes prior to disinfection, and worked to get a third-party vendor to come to the hospital and train staff in the ECHO and CVOR departments on the handling of TEE probes. “Since this was completed, staff members have been able to identify issues with TEE probes that normally would not have been addressed until it was too late and the probe was damaged beyond repair. We have dropped our TEE probe repairs by more than half and the need for replacing TEE probes is down substantially,” Campbell says. When not on the job, Campbell enjoys hiking, camping and riding his motorcycle. He gives the credit for much of his success to his employer and colleagues. “My success, that I have found in this career, reflects the Erlanger Clinical Engineering Department. Since I started, I have received support, training and mentorship. The senior techs have always been willing to share their knowledge and help in teaching. Without their help, this job would be a lot more difficult to navigate and accomplish my work,” Campbell says. With great on-the-job support, this imaging tech has become a great resource to his department, making it a two-way street.

BIOMETRICS FAVORITE BOOK:

“The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas

FAVORITE MOVIE: “Idiocracy”

HIDDEN TALENT:

I can taste the difference between Coke, Diet Coke and Coke Zero. (They should fire their marketing department.)

FAVORITE FOOD: Lasagna

FAVORITE PART OF BEING A BIOMED? Everyday has a different set of challenges, that makes the day go by faster. Could be same part but different symptoms to try and figure out, I enjoy the complexity and the challenge.

WHAT’S ON MY BENCH?

Starbucks Carmel Macchiato, Wiha Drive-Loc Drivers, Milwaukee Electric Screwdriver, paint markers and side cutters

January 2024 | TechNation 19

SPOTLIGHT

Bryant Hawkins Sr. records a podcast at a recent MD Expo.

SHIFTING GEARS Sharing is Caring

BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS n 1950, the Salvation Army trademarked and adopted the motto “Sharing is Caring.” It highlighted the organization’s efforts to help channel funds and resources from those who contribute to those in need.

The phrase can also describe those who share their knowledge and experience. The base concept is still one person giving something of value to benefit another. This concept has been seen in recent years within the HTM profession with some experienced biomeds utilizing the power of the Internet to provide information that is useful and entertaining to their counterparts across the profession. Podcasts and videos are available to help new biomeds get their careers off to a good start. Much of this content also helps existing biomeds and others in health care. Additional content can be found on blogs that work in conjunction with other platforms. “I write blogs with a dual purpose in mind; to serve as a promotional platform for my ‘HTM on the Line’ podcast episodes and to inspire my fellow HTM professionals, while raising awareness about the remarkable world of healthcare technology management (HTM),” says Bryant Hawkins Sr., who was

20 TechNation | January 2024

featured as a TechNation Professional of the Month in February of 2022. Hawkins says that through his blogs, he aims to create a digital space where he can share insights, industry trends and valuable content that resonates with HTM experts and newcomers. He has been in the field for 30 years. “By shedding light on the workings and innovations within healthcare technology management, I hope to ignite passion, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster a stronger, more informed community of HTM professionals, ultimately contributing to the growth and enhancement of this vital industry,” Hawkins says. His podcast is for biomeds, clinicians and the general public. It includes members of HTM and others with interesting stories. “The creation of the ‘HTM on the Line’ podcast was born from a passionate desire to serve the HTM community directly from within. As an initiative by and for HTM professionals, it was conceived with the intent of shedding light on this often underappreciated, yet indispensable, industry. The podcast serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the intricacies and significance of healthcare technology management, bridging the gap between professionals, institutions and the wider public. Beyond that, it also stands as a tribute to the incredible individuals who

Bryant Hawkins Sr. enjoys being a DJ and photography away from work.

have made remarkable contributions to the HTM field,” Hawkins says. He says that through the podcast, stories are told, achievements celebrated and wisdom shared in a bid to inspire and unite the HTM community while providing invaluable insights and knowledge to all who tune in. All of the content is designed to bring awareness to the HTM industry. MOTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION As a supplement to his efforts on other platforms, Hawkins also produces several motivational videos each month. “Creating two motivational videos a week is a personal commitment driven by a deep sense of purpose. My primary target audience consists of the emerging young talent and the young-at-heart individuals within the HTM industry. My aim is to instill in them a belief in their potential for success,” he says. Hawkins says that through the videos, he aspires to serve as a source of unwavering encouragement, letting viewers know that there is someone out there cheering them on as they navigate their HTM careers. “Furthermore, these videos provide a unique opportunity to spotlight the incredible professionals in the HTM field. By maintaining this consistent schedule, I hope to foster a supportive and motivated community while emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and excellence within the healthcare technology management industry,” he adds. With whatever time remains beyond work, Hawkins also enjoys photography and has photographed weddings, graduation parties and baby showers. In addition to photography, Hawkins has more than 25 years of experience as a DJ. “Over the years, this hobby evolved into a professional pursuit. I’ve had the privilege of photographing a variety of events, including weddings, baby showers, senior portraits, class reunions and family gatherings. Among my favorite

subjects are the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, as well as the historic architecture that New Orleans, my hometown, is famous for. This city’s rich history provides an incredible backdrop for my work, especially in architectural photography,” Hawkins says. He says that the most rewarding aspect of his photography remains capturing moments with his own family. “Whether it’s a family get-together or a New Orleans Saints game party, I’m always there with my camera in hand. The joy of capturing unique moments, emotions, and scenes, and preserving them forever, is indescribable. Photography, for me, is not just an art form; it’s a fusion of creativity and technical skill that enables me to express my vision of the world around me,” Hawkins says. Sharing is caring and putting in the work and passion to help others in HTM is something that Hawkins is committed to. Hawkins’ podcasts can be found through most of the leading podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and iHeart. HTM on the Line is also on YouTube: youtube.com/@htmontheline

The HTM on the Line blog: htmontheline.com

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

NEWS & NOTES Updates from the HTM Industry

MD EXPO RETURNS TO VEGAS MD Expo returns to Las Vegas in 2024. The Spring 2024 MD Expo will be held at the M Resort Spa Casino. MD Expo Las Vegas is sure to be a popular conference with continuing education credits, an exhibit hall and networking events. Registration is free for all hospital employees, active military and students. HTM professionals can expect to experience a unique, intimate and rewarding conference second to none. Clinical engineers, biomedical technicians, directors and managers, procurement/asset managers and others responsible for medical technology will converge in a one-of-a-kind environment to network with peers, learn the latest technologies and advances in HTM. MD Expo features include: • Industry-leading speakers covering the hottest topics in HTM, compliance, IT, cybersecurity, management and equipment service • The industry’s most unique networking events to connect and share best practices with other leading HTM professionals • World-class exhibit hall with the latest technology, products and services The fall 2023 MD Expo was in the top five all time with more than 800 healthcare technology management (HTM)

professionals in attendance. Attendees at the Fall 2023 MD Expo recently shared positive reviews. Earl Morris Jr., a BMET at Harrison County Hospital, said MD Expo Orlando met his expectations. “I think this event was great, I met a lot of people that are veterans of the industry,” Morris said. “I believe it met my expectations and more. By that, I mean I met a lot of people that are within 2-3 hours from me that I can reach out and just talk to them about things as I am a one-man biomed shop.” “I learned how some of the other hospitals are doing things and hoping we can implement some of their practices,” he added. USOC Medical Vice President of Sales and Customer Experience Amy Hobbs said she didn’t know if MD Expo could have been any better. “MD Expo is a great way to meet and interact with fellow colleagues, new customers and friends in the industry. It is a networking event like no other,” Hobbs explained. “This was one of the best shows we have had in regard to meeting new customers. We made quite a few new leads and met some new industry leaders as well.” Visit MDExpoShow.com and sign up for the newsletter today.

INDY WELCOMES HTM MIXER Indianapolis is the place to be May 2 and 3 when the next HTM Mixer rolls in town. What is an HTM Mixer? Think of it as a hybrid event that combines the best of a state association annual meeting and an MD Expo. MD Publishing and the Indiana Biomed Society (IBS) have joined forces to host the two-day event with an exhibit hall, educational opportunities and networking.

The HTM Mixer will be in the heart of the city at the Westin Indianapolis. Attendees will be near the city’s top attractions. A skywalk connects the hotel to Circle Centre Mall for upscale restaurants, shopping and nightlife, while the roar of Lucas Oil Stadium is just steps away. For more information, and to sign up for the newseltter for the latest details, visit HTMMixer.com.

HTMA-SC ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP In a recent email, the Healthcare Technology Management Association of South Carolina (HTMA-SC) introduced its new leadership members. It also announced that it is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join its board. New leaders are: • Shawn Lease, President • Kaylee McCaffrey, Vice President • Aaron Brengelman, Treasurer • Howard Scarver, Secretary • Scott Keker, Board Member

• Joe Howe, Board Member • Dan Paladino, Board Member • Eric Massey, Board Member The group is looking for enthusiastic individuals who can help steer the organization’s mission and initiatives. As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your expertise, network with industry professionals, and drive the future of healthcare technology in South Carolina. If you’re interested, reach out to Shawn Lease at leaseshawn1@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

FLUKE INTRODUCES IDA-6 INFUSION DEVICE ANALYZER Fluke Biomedical has announced the launch of the IDA-6 Infusion Device Analyzer. This state-of-the-art biomedical testing equipment is designed to meet the growing demand for efficiency and precision in medical device quality assurance (MDQA), according to a press release. The IDA-6 Infusion Device Analyzer utilizes integrated OneQATM workflow automation software to streamline testing procedures and help minimize the risk of human error. Developed in collaboration with customers, OneQA enables biomed technicians to standardize and simplify report integration, saving valuable time that can be redirected toward other health care organization needs. “The IDA-6 represents our commitment to delivering advanced solutions that prioritize innovation, accuracy and user convenience,” said Michael Raiche, director of product management at Fluke Biomedical. “Our reliable hardware and OneQA software combination allows health care professionals to focus on what matters most – deliv-

ering the highest standard of patient care.” Key features of the IDA-6 Infusion Device Analyzer mentioned in the press release include: • OneQA software: Improve testing precision and efficiency with OneQA-enabled workflow automation software. • IntelliPump technology: Benefit from mess-free testing with water recirculation and no priming required. • Modular flexibility: Customize testing with removable channels and the option to add up to 4 channels. • Advanced accuracy: Obtain low flow stable readings faster with enhanced resolution. • Wireless sync: Conduct test procedures remotely and automatically sync results. • Intuitive interface: A 10-inch touchscreen provides user-friendly customization and easy-to-follow instructions. • Immediate results: Receive prompt results with accuracy as fine as < 0.0003mL.

January 2024 | TechNation 25

INDUSTRY UPDATES

TECH CHOICE AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED In its continued effort to promote and applaud the men and women of healthcare technology management (HTM), TechNation magazine announces the inaugural Tech Choice Award finalists. The Tech Choice Awards (also known as the Wrenchies) shine a spotlight on the heroes of HTM. Finalists were selected during a month-long nomination process. The Tech Choice Award categories are: • Professional of the Year – sponsored by Renovo Solutions • Department of the Year – sponsored by USOC Medical • Young Professional of the Year • ISO Employee of the Year – sponsored by Elite Biomedical Solutions • Director/Manager of the Year – sponsored by MW Imaging • Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by Tri-Imaging Solutions • Military BMET of the Year – sponsored by CBET • Humanitarian Award – sponsored by Healthmark • Women in Leadership Award – sponsored by Avante Health Solutions • Ingenuity Award • Outstanding Vendor of the Year • Association of the Year – sponsored by MultiMedical Systems • Industry Influencer of the Year – sponsored by Soma Tech Inc. A complete list of finalists is avaible online at 1technation.com/techchoice-awards. Voting ends on January 12. Wrenchies will be awarded with the winners selected based 100% on votes from those who make up the HTM industry. Winners will be announced in the March issue of TechNation and highlighted in a special digital supplement.

The W rench ies

Vote now at 1technation.com/tech-choice-awards.

TRI-IMAGING SOLUTIONS INCREASES WORKFORCE Tri-Imaging Solutions, a leading provider of technical support, equipment and parts in the medical imaging field, has hired a new fleet of sales members. With its fast-growing business, follows their growing sales team. Tri-Imaging has added three new sales team members in just a few short months. Zack Rodriguez, April Bowen and Rob Muzzio have been welcomed to their team. Zack Rodriguez has been in capital equipment and strategic sales for medical supplies for the past 8 years. He has brought a new perspective to their team. He is out of Columbus, Ohio and has signed on as an enterprise sales director to support a wide range of customers for Tri-Imaging. His perspective and background will bring fresh ideas and a robust clientele for Tri-Imaging. With a sales management and business development background, April Bowen made an excellent candidate for a sales director position for Tri-Imaging. She has an extensive background of 20-plus years in the medical space. She has grown in the industry from territory sales 26 TechNation | January 2024

to management and business development. Her background and knowledge are the perfect fit for a spot on the team. She is based out of the Houston, Texas area and is looking to introduce new strategies and goals for the team. Prior to joining Tri-Imaging Solutions, Rob Muzzio was the zone director for Prestige Medical Imaging in Upstate New York, northwest Pennsylvania and Ohio. His 30-plus year career includes time as the president of GXC Imaging, a local medical imaging distributor in New York, in addition to a senior account representative for Agfa and with Philips Medical Systems. He will be responsible for the overall territory growth, aligning sales strategies with the customers’ strategic initiatives to grow new business. With its fast-growing team, and extensive range of backgrounds, Tri-Imaging is building a well-rounded and knowledgeable sales fleet. The new additions are excited to hit the ground running in 2024.

TRIMEDX RECEIVES INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SECURITY RECERTIFICATION TRIMEDX – an industry-leading, independent clinical asset management company delivering clinical engineering services, clinical asset informatics and medical device cybersecurity – has been recertified with the highly regarded International Organization for Standardization’s Information Management Security certification ISO/IEC 27001:2013, a widely recognized international standard outlining best practices for information security management. This recertification, valid through Dec. 2026, reverifies that TRIMEDX meets the latest information security industry standards while maintaining and enforcing policies and procedures to ensure the security of data. “This reaffirms our commitment to excellence for our clients, associates and stakeholders,” says TRIMEDX CEO Henry Hummel. “We continue our commitment to protecting health care providers’ confidential data, ensuring patient safety, and demonstrating operational excellence and rigor around technology and data development and control.” ISO 27001 provides requirements to companies seeking to implement a comprehensive information security management system (ISMS) to effectively provide security of information assets, through a systematic risk management process covering people, processes and information technology systems. Meeting the standard demonstrates TRIMEDX’s achievement of world-class safety and security management of information. TRIMEDX was recertified by third-party registrar British Standards Institution (BSI). The ISO 27001 certification couples with TRIMEDX’s Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 2 and ISO 13485:2016 certification (valid through Aug. 2024) to make up TRIMEDX’s Quality Management System covering MD QMS and Information Security Management System (ISMS) standards. ISO 13485 outlines best practices in developing an effective MD QMS that covers the safety and quality of medical devices throughout their lifecycle. SOC 2 is a stringent, third-party industry standard among service organizations that handle client data and is designed to protect the safety and security of the data and its storage. Achieving this level of compliance requires a demonstrated ability to consistently monitor unusual system activity, activate security alerts in the event of security incident, produce detailed audit trails for root cause analysis and quickly take corrective action. “We continue to make security and safety a top priority as we serve our clients,” says Doug Folsom, president of cybersecurity and chief technology officer. “The protection of client data and information, which ultimately impacts patient safety, differentiates us in what we do to provide clinical engineering services, clinical asset management, and medical device cybersecurity solutions.”

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

RTI SHARES X-RAY QA TESTING PRODUCT RTI has made a groundbreaking advancement in X-ray quality assurance (QA) and testing by introducing a new X-ray meter, Mako, at the Radiological Society of North America Meeting. The next-generation multimodality X-ray meter has market-leading accuracy (±1.5 % kVp uncertainty) thanks to innovative new detector technology. Centered around efficiency, Mako provides a no-fuss experience, simple setup in all X-ray applications and fully wireless capability. The modular, future-proof system design provides ultimate configuration flexibility, with the widest-ever application range for X-ray quality assurance testing. When it comes to protecting patients and staff in medical

X-ray imaging, regular and proper quality assurance and testing is paramount. Mako is not just a tool; it’s the complete tool belt in X-ray testing, protecting patients and medical staff from unnecessary X-ray dose while ensuring the best image quality and prolonging system lifetime. “This revolutionary product is a culmination of over 40 years of experience in X-ray quality assurance and testing, with Mako delivering the most advanced hardware platform, fully integrated into the industry- leading software and cloud solutions, for unparalleled efficiency and full traceability,” according to a press release.

FSI ACHIEVES SOC 2 TYPE 2 CERTIFICATION FSI, a leading CMMS provider, has announced the completion of a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 2 audit. This achievement comes after completing an SOC 2 Type 1 audit earlier this year. As one of the highest recognized standards of information security compliance in the world, certification of this level conveys the rigor of FSI’s security processes and data privacy procedures. The SOC 2 standards are maintained by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). To pass a SOC 2 Type 2 audit, a third-party auditor evaluated the internal controls for information security, including FSI’s policies, procedures, and internal infrastructure around data security, firewall configurations, change management, logical access, backup and disaster recovery, security incident response, and other critical areas of business over a period of six months. “Completing both SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 audits has been a team effort, all in the service of strengthening our 28 TechNation | January 2024

policies and procedures for data privacy and security,” expressed Derek Smith, director of technology at FSI. “Health care systems prioritize the protection of sensitive patient information, and it should be no different for their facilities information as well. With the completion of the SOC 2 Type 2 audit, FSI is a proud CMMS provider that can emphasize our similar commitment to protecting data and the essential information of the organizations we partner with.” Following through with a SOC 2 Type 2 audit reinforces FSI’s dedication and prioritization of data privacy and security, which are key for a company charged with protecting vital information about hospital facilities data. From floorplans to information about vital pieces of equipment, FSI’s CMMS products store data points on hospital operations that must be protected. Launched in 2002, FSI was created by and for health care service professionals and engineers, offering a purpose-built CMMS specifically for healthcare-managed operations.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

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Evolve Medical Solutions volve Medical Solutions Founder and CEO Enid Figueroa recently took some time to share more information about the company she started. Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SERVICES AND PRODUCTS YOU OFFER? A: Whether it’s medical equipment repairs, purchasing, preventative maintenance, display upgrades or consumables – such as sensors and leads – we’ve got you covered.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY STAND OUT IN THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FIELD? A: We’re dedicated to delivering a customized solution, specifically tailored to meet your equipment needs. Our aim is to provide a solution that perfectly aligns with your requirements, ensuring optimal functionality, satisfaction and, most importantly, assuring patient safety. “Excellence Delivered, Quality Assured.” Q: WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR COMPANY? A: We’re thrilled about the future at Evolve Medical Solutions! Our focus remains on continuous innovation in medical equipment solutions, delving into new technologies and expanding our services to align with the ever-evolving landscape of medical equipment. Our commitment is unwavering in enhancing patient care through cutting-edge solutions, and we’re dedicated to fostering lasting partnerships with our valued clients.

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW? A: At Evolve Medical Solutions, we prioritize transparency and open communication. We welcome any questions or feedback you may have. Our commitment is not only to provide top-notch medical equipment solutions but also to ensure a seamless and satisfying experience for our clients. Feel free to reach out with any inquiries, and let’s shape the future of health care together. For more information, visit https://evolvemedsol.com. January 2024 | TechNation 31

INDUSTRY UPDATES

AAMI UPDATE

FDA Recognizes Cybersecurity and Data Security AAMI Standards for Health Technology he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved two AAMI guidance documents related to cybersecurity and data management. These formal recognitions have major implications for medical device manufacturers and the state of the art of medical device cybersecurity.

AAMI is pleased to announce that the FDA has officially extended complete recognition to AAMI’s groundbreaking guidance document on medical device cybersecurity, ANSI/AAMI SW96. Per the FDA, ANSI/ AAMI SW96:2023, Standard for medical device security - Security risk management for device manufacturers, is an important resource for medical device sponsors. “The FDA encourages use of this new standard to enhance quality and support product performance,” the agency stated. “FDA recognition of ANSI/AAMI SW96 is a major milestone,” added Matt Williams, vice president of standards at AAMI. “Device manufacturers can confidently use the standard to ensure compliance with FDA requirements and to provide better protection for health systems and their patients. The standard’s adoption definitively furthers AAMI’s mission of promoting ideal patient outcomes.”

Released earlier this year, ANSI/AAMI SW96 raised the bar for medical device cybersecurity risk management during the design and development stages. It contains clear guidance related to postmarket monitoring of device vulnerabilities, security measures like patching and software bills of materials. It is also the first guidance document that provides specific requirements for managing security across a product’s life cycle. The standard sets out several key priorities: 1. Security risk analysis should be conducted for individual medical devices and systems to identify and document vulnerabilities and risks. 2. Security risk evaluation should focus on how devices exist within both hardware and software systems. 3. Security risk control should use more than one method of ensuring devices and systems are protected. 4. Security risk management plans for medical devices must be in place before distribution and manufacturers must ensure that any residual risk is acceptable. But ANSI/AAMI SW96 is not the only AAMI guidance document to receive FDA recognition. FDA also recognized ANSI/AAMI 2700-2-1:2022, which provides guidance on the storage and use of data in order to promote safety and quality assurance. The FDA’s database of recognized consensus standards can be found online. Questions? Reach out to AAMI’s Standards team at standards@aami.org.

A Review in ‘Minutes?’ How ASCA Accelerates Premarket Approval The FDA’s Accreditation Scheme for Conformity Assessment, or (ASCA), has graduated from pilot to permanent program. ASCA is meant to accelerate the premarket review process for medical devices, and in the words of FDA’s Eric Franca, “makes our lives easier.” AAMI Chief Learning and Development Officer Robert Burroughs

32 TechNation | January 2024

recently interviewed Franca about ASCA and its transition to permanent program. Franca currently serves as ASCA team lead and policy advisor at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health at FDA. He believes that ASCA will be a boon to the many groups of stakeholders involved in the premarket approval process for medical devices. So, what was the reason for starting ASCA? Franca indicated

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that the program was initially conceived to address inconsistencies in test reporting. ASCA is meant to increase confidence in test labs, streamline reporting and even reduce the amount of material needed to secure FDA approval. With the program becoming permanent as part of the 2022 MDUFA V legislation, ASCA has also enjoyed growth in participation, with the addition of over 100 accredited test labs and • REPAIRbodies. AND PM SERVICE five recognized accreditation • REPAIR AND PMAND SERVICE • REPAIR PM SERVICE MAKE CARDIOTRONIX According to Franca, the program has benefited regulators, • REPAIR PM SERVICE • HIGHLY TRAINED AND TECHNICIANS • HIGHLY TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS YOUR NEXTAND SERVICE CALL • HIGHLY TRAINEDCERTIFIED AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • REPAIR AND PM SERVICE manufacturers and labs alike. Providing a test case of the program’s • REPAIR AND PM SERVICE • HIGHLY TRAINED AND • HIGHLY TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • OEM NEW AND RECERTIFIED PARTS • OEM NEW AND RECERTIFIED PARTS • REPAIR AND PM SERVICE • REPAIR AND PM SERVICE • OEMthat NEW AND RECERTIFIED PARTS usefulness, Franca stated premarket submissions have “been CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • QUICK• TURNAROUND TIMES TIMES QUICK TURNAROUND HIGHLY TRAINED AND CERTIFIED • OEM NEW TECHNICIANS AND • HIGHLY TRAINED ANDwhere CERTIFIEDFDA TECHNICIANS • OEM• NEW AND RECERTIFIED PARTS much easier to review.” He told Burroughs of one instance • HIGHLY TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • QUICK TURNAROUND• TIMES RECERTIFIED PARTS • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY OEM NEW AND RECERTIFIED PARTS • OEM NEW AND RECERTIFIED PARTS asked for additional biocompatibility testing from a manufacturer, who QUICK TURNAROUND • OEM NEW AND•TIMES RECERTIFIED PARTS TIMES • QUICK TURNAROUND • REPAIR AND PM SERVICE contracted with an ASCA accredited lab.PARTS While establishing the • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS • QUICK TURNAROUND TIMES • COMPREHENSIVE AND LABOR WARRANTY • QUICK TURNAROUND TIMES • QUICK TURNAROUND TIMES AND LABOR WARRANTY • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY contract took time, it took FDA staff “maybe• fifteen minutes” COMPREHENSIVE PARTS to ANDreview LABOR WARRANTY • HIGHLY TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS ANDAND LABOR • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS LABORWARRANTY WARRANTY MAKE CARDIOTRONIX • REPAIR • •REPAIR ANDNEW AND PM AND SERVICE PM SERVICE MAKE CARDIOTRONIX OEM RECERTIFIED PARTS the resulting report. MAKE CARDIOTRONIX YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL • HIGHLY • •HIGHLY TRAINED TRAINED ANDAND CERTIFIED CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL QUICK TURNAROUND TIMESTECHNICIANS Franca noted that under the old model, it would have taken hours YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL • OEM • •OEM NEW NEW ANDAND RECERTIFIED RECERTIFIED to review a much longer report that might have required the consultaCOMPREHENSIVE PARTSPARTS ANDPARTS LABOR WARRANTY MAKE CARDIOTRONIX (855)-4DEFIBS tion of additional biocompatibility experts. However, ASCA accredited • QUICK • QUICK TURNAROUND TURNAROUND TIMES MAKE CA MAKE CAR YOUR NEXT TIMES SERVICE CALL MAKE CAR labs know exactly what the review process requires and the best way • COMPREHENSIVE • COMPREHENSIVE PARTS PARTS ANDAND LABOR LABOR WARRANTY WARRANTY YOUR NEX YOUR NEXT YOUR IT’S MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RELATED, HAVE YOUR SOLUTION! to deliver that information concisely, allowing a greater number of FDA IF IT’SIFMEDICAL MAKE CARDIOTRONIX EQUIPMENT RELATED, WE WE HAVE YOUR SOLUTION! staff to review previously obtuse premarket submissions. YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM Regarding how manufacturers can participate in ASCA, Franca IF IT’S MEDICAL MAKE MAKE CARDIOTRONIX CARDIOTRONIX IT’S MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RELATED, WE HAVE YOUR SOLUTION! stated that manufacturers already adheringIFto a given industry YOUR YOUR NEXT NEXT SERVICE SERVICE CALL CALL EQUIPMENT RELATED, standard should “keep doing what you’re already doing.” ManufacturCARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM IF IT’S MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RELATED, WE HAVE Y WE HAVE YOUR SOLUTION! IF IT’S MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RELATED, WE HAVE Y ers interested in taking advantage of the ASCA program should IF IT’S MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RELATED, WE HAVE SOLUTION! IFYOUR IT’S MEDICAL contact ASCA accredited test labs, who will walk them through the CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM EQUIPMENT RELATED, CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM process of developing a test plan with the lab. Participants will receive WE CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM HAVE YOUR SOLUTION! CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM IF IT’S IF IT’S MEDICAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RELATED, RELATED, WE WE HAVE HAVE YOUR YOUR SOLUTION! SOLUTION! CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM both a standard full length test report, as well as a concise, ASCA CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM CARDIOTRONIXHEALTH.COM summary test report. Participating in ASCA requires device developers to turn in the ASCA summary report to the FDA, declare the use of ASCA in its cover letter, and indicate conformity to a given standard. As an added benefit, Franca noted that ASCA is also part of the eSTAR program, which is essentially a “dynamic PDF that guides manufacturers toward what documentation they need for a 510k.” As of October 1, 2023, all 510(k) submissions, unless exempted, must be submitted as electronic submissions using eSTAR, as noted in the FDA final guidance, Electronic Submission Template for Medical Device 510(k) Submissions. The eSTAR form provides clear contextual prompts to include ASCA test results in the relevant areas. So, what’s next for ASCA? Franca told Burroughs that the 2022 Medical Device User Fee Amendment (MDUFA V) also mandates that ASCA work with various stakeholders to expand the program. In the short term, FDA intends to host a webinar next spring to discuss what areas “it makes sense to expand into.” Although nothing is settled, Franca noted that there is potential to expand ASCA into new technical areas, such as cybersecurity and sterility. How can manufacturers learn more about ASCA’s and if the program is a good fit for them? A good place to start is ASCA’s website, which provides documentation on program requirements, how it works and next steps for either labs or manufacturers who want to participate. Franca also issued a call to action, urging manufacturers to take the plunge and use the program. ASCA has received around three dozen submissions using ASCA testing. “Labs are testing and it’s going well, and premarket review is going relatively well too,” he said. “We’d love to see more.”

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January 2024 | TechNation 33

INDUSTRY UPDATES

ECRI UPDATE

Surgical Fire Prevention Resources ires in the operating room are rare; but when they occur, they can be devastating for all involved. ECRI, in collaboration with the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), has developed new posters outlining how surgical teams can minimize the risk of fire during surgery, and how they can mount a rapid and coordinated response should a fire occur.

Fires that ignite in or around a patient during surgery can cause severe and lasting damage. Patients can be killed or suffer serious harm, staff can be injured or traumatized, and critical equipment or infrastructure can be destroyed. The consequences can be especially serious if open oxygen sources are present during surgery of the head, face, neck, or region of the upper chest above the xiphoid process. Thus, it’s important to know how such fires can be prevented – and how to handle them if they occur. New resources issued by the Joint Commission and by ECRI in collaboration with the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) have prompted a renewed focus on this rare but critical hazard. THE ISSUE IN BRIEF The key to preventing surgical fires is to control the three elements of the “fire triangle”: A fire will occur when an oxidizer, an ignition source, and a fuel come together in the proper proportions and under the right conditions.

34 TechNation | January 2024

Keeping the elements of the fire triangle from coming together in ways that could lead to a surgical fire requires that all surgical team members understand the risks and that they consistently follow practices that can minimize those risks. “Every side of the fire triangle has a representative in the operating room,” explains Julie Miller, principal project engineer in ECRI’s Device Evaluation group. “So preventing fires requires that every team member understands how their actions can contribute to the conditions for a surgical fire.” Similarly, should a fire occur, “every team member needs to know their role in the response.” NEW: THE JOINT COMMISSION’S SENTINEL EVENT ALERT In October 2023, the Joint Commission issued an updated Sentinel Event Alert – “Updated Surgical Fire Prevention for the 21st Century” – to help health care organizations recommit to surgical fire prevention. As the organization states, “surgical fires continue to occur and represent a significant risk to patients and health care professionals.” (See: https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/newsletters/sea-68-surgical-fire-prevention2-10-9-23-final.pdf.) In its Sentinel Event Alert, the Joint Commission suggests the following actions to prevent surgical fires: 1. Conduct a time-out before each surgical and endoscopic procedure to assess (a) any fire risks associated with the supplies and equipment to be used, (b) the location of the operation on the patient, and (c) the presence of ignition sources, fuel, and oxygen in the environment. 2. Maintain the concentration of oxygen delivered to the patient at less than 30%, whenever possible.

This poster can be downloaded from: https://ly.ecri.org/SurgicalFireTimeOut

3. Carefully manage electrosurgical devices, light sources and cables, surgical draping, and other risks during a procedure. 4. Provide training to operating room staff on how to avoid and manage fires and conduct fire drills, as stipulated in the Joint Commission standards. 5. Report all surgical fires into your facility’s incident reporting system. 6. Encourage education of all operating room personnel/ team members about the risk of surgical fires. NEW: POSTERS FROM ECRI AND APSF ECRI and APSF have developed the following posters to help reduce the risk of, and potential harm from, surgical fires. Readers are encouraged to download and print these posters and place them in their operating rooms: • “Surgical Fire Time-Out: Team Communication is Key” – Download from: https://ly.ecri.org/SurgicalFireTimeOut.

This poster can be downloaded from: https://ly.ecri.org/SurgicalFireResponse

• “Know Your Part When Responding to a Surgical Fire” – Download from: https://ly.ecri.org/SurgicalFireResponse. TO LEARN MORE . . . The posters referenced in this article can be downloaded free of charge using the links provided. For information about ECRI’s proactive surgical fire prevention assessment service or its on-site educational programs, visit https://ly.ecri.org/SurgicalFirePrevention_Services. In addition, members of ECRI’s Capital Guide, Device Evaluation, and associated programs can access the organization’s “Surgical Fire Prevention: The Essentials” web page – a collection of ECRI resources to help with fire prevention efforts. To learn more about membership, visit https://www.ecri.org/solutions/device-evaluations, or contact ECRI by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5891, or by e-mail at clientservices@ecri.org.

January 2024 | TechNation 35

THE BENCH

BIOMED 101 Vital Role of Documentation

BY ALLISON WOOLFORD magine going to the bank and handing the teller a check to deposit into your account. They take the check and then tell you to have a nice day. They don’t ask you for your license to confirm your identity. They don’t ask for your account number to make sure the money is going into the right account. They don’t even provide you with a receipt. Would you just walk out and take their word or would you want evidence that your check has been deposited into your account? Personally, I would want proof. I want documentation that shows my money is going into my account. In our daily lives, we often seek documentation for even the most mundane transactions, ensuring that our money is handled securely and correctly. We demand receipts as evidence, not only to protect ourselves but also to maintain a record of our financial interactions. It’s a practice deeply ingrained in our society; one we instinctively follow. Yet, in the world of HTM, this crucial practice of meticulous documentation is sometimes overlooked or undervalued, especially by novice technicians. Imagine this scenario: The phone rings in the office. It’s a clinic. The staff are complaining that the vital signs machine is broken and that is the only one in the clinic. You run to the clinic and determine that there is a hole in the blood pressure hose. You replace the hose, connect it to a blood pressure tester and confirm that device is taking blood pressure correctly. The staff is so excited that the vital sign machine is fixed and you walk back to the office with a smile on your face. Now what? We can teach technicians all of the skills needed to repair a vital signs machine or to perform the maintenance on a defibrillator but what about that next step? What comes next is just as vital as the repair itself – the paperwork. Each department has a CMMS database that they use to maintain records for every piece of medical equipment

36 TechNation | January 2024

that walks through that hospital’s front door. Everything that we do to a piece of equipment needs to be documented. The amount of detailed information in the records all depends on the technicians. We can teach budding technicians all the technical skills needed to repair medical equipment or perform maintenance on life-saving devices. However, we mustn’t forget to emphasize the importance of meticulous record-keeping. Every action taken on a piece of medical equipment must be documented. The level of detail in these records may vary, but the principle remains constant. Think back to the vital sign machine. How do you document that repair? Do you just say “Passed manufacturer’s specifications” or “parts replaced”? Or do you dig a little deeper and state what part was replaced (with part number and pricing), and what steps were taken to verify operation and functionality? What about when you are performing maintenance on a device? It is so much easier when the manufacturer provides a checklist to follow so that you know for certain the device is meeting manufacturer’s specifications but is that checklist just used as a reference or is it filled out and attached to the asset record? The role of documentation in HTM cannot be overstated. It provides an indispensable record of a device’s history and life cycle. Anyone involved can access this documentation to review past repairs and preventive maintenance procedures. This documentation serves as a window into the life of the equipment. Hospital management can use it to identify trends and areas that require attention. For instance, take the case of ultrasound probes. If a specific type of ultrasound probe consistently requires repairs due to physical damage, a detailed record will reveal this pattern. Hospital leadership can then investigate whether adjustments are needed at the front end when the device is in use or at the back end when the probe is being sterilized.

But why is this documentation so critical? Here are a few reasons: Compliance: Medical facilities are often subject to regulatory requirements and standards. Detailed documentation ensures compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties. Patient Safety: Accurate records help ensure that medical equipment is functioning correctly. Inaccurate or incomplete records could compromise patient safety. Cost Control: Detailed records allow for better cost analysis. Hospitals can determine if they are spending excessive amounts on equipment repairs or replacements and take proactive measures to control costs. Quality Assurance: Documentation serves as a valuable tool for quality control. It allows HTM professionals to track the performance of medical devices over time, identifying any recurring issues and addressing them promptly. In conclusion, documentation is not an afterthought in the field of HTM; it is an integral part of the job. It

safeguards patient safety, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides a roadmap for equipment maintenance. As HTM professionals, we must embrace the practice of meticulous record-keeping, not only for our benefit but also for the well-being of the patients who rely on the equipment we maintain. So, the next time you repair a vital signs machine or perform maintenance on a defibrillator, remember that your documentation is just as vital as your technical expertise. It’s the paper trail that ensures the quality and reliability of health care equipment in the long run. Allison Woolford, CBET, is a biomedical equipment specialist at Duke University Health System and an adjunct professor at Durham Technical Community College for the biomedical equipment technology program.

• Check for Faulty Batteries • Look for Damaged Power Cords & AC Adapters • Look for Damaged Exterior Parts & Cases

• Calibration Tests • Alarms/Errors

The manufacturers listed are the holders of their respective names and/or trademarks, and are not to taken as an endorsement or affiliation with AIV, Inc.

January 2024 | TechNation 37

THE BENCH

WEBINAR WEDNESDAY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

echNation launched the Webinar Wednesday series in January 2014. The fuel behind the free educational sessions was a desire to give back to the healthcare technology management (HTM) community. The vision was that Webinar Wednesday could be an extension of the in-person MD Expos and the printed magazine, while answering an industry need for ongoing, easily accessible educational opportunities. In 10 years, Webinar Wednesday has hosted more than 300 sessions and awarded more than 25,000 continuing education certificates. MD Publishing Founder and President John Krieg reflected on the growth of Webinar Wednesday. “We are extremely proud to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Webinar Wednesday series. TechNation was first in the HTM industry to introduce this groundbreaking alternative for continued education and online learning solutions,” Krieg said. “We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to provide exclusive content for medical equipment service professionals and appreciate the continued support of the HTM industry,” he added. This year is the 10th anniversary of the program. It has grown over the years in regard to the frequency of webinars, the number of people who register/attend and the thousands of continuing educations credits that are awarded each year. In 2023, Webinar Wednesday will eclipse 5,000 registrations. The Webinar Wednesday series has become so successful that MD Publishing, the parent company of TechNation, now offers additional webinar options.

38 TechNation | January 2024

Webinar Wednesday fans can register to attend live, weekly webinars, check out previous sessions in the on-demand archives or listen to the TechNation Podcast series. All of these resources are accessible on WebinarWednesday.live and eligible for continuing educations credits from the AAMI Credential Institute (ACI). The newest update to Webinar Wednesday is the Tools of the Trade Live Demo which is already proving to be very popular with HTM professionals! Biomeds can learn about new devices and solutions that help them do their job better. Tedd Koh, CISSP, CBET, CRES, CCNA, SECURITY+, NET+, A+, is an HTM professional at Olive View UCLA Medical Center who attended that very first webinar 10 years ago and continues to log in monthly. Koh was not shy when asked about that first webinar a decade ago. “It is very meaningful to our HTM community because we cannot attend all offline seminars such as the annual AAMI meeting, MD Expos and local seminars for various reasons. It gives us the opportunity to learn new technologies or skills through this online series of webinars without going anywhere,” he explained. When asked why he continues to register and attend the live webinars, Koh said he keeps coming back because the education is great, and it is free. “These online topics keep changing according to market trends like cybersecurity, IoMT, CMMS, and so on. These areas are very new to us; thus, I want to know the trends and learn those topics myself by reading books, attending seminars and meeting local experts during local society meetings. This means Webinar Wednesday keeps bringing me back,” Koh said. For more information, visit WebinarWednesday.live.

LIVE DEMO: MIST Software

January 10 at 2PM ET

Registration on WebinarWednesday.live.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Maull Biomedical MIST software program

The MIST software program by Maull Biomedical is a maintenance program that takes the BMET through the entire PM procedure through the use of detailed videos showing every step of the PM procedure in great detail. As the BMET goes through the software,

they are annotating their actions and results and when the PM procedure is complete the MIST software automatically produces a PM report. Learn more at maullbiomedical.com.

January 2024 | TechNation 39

Webinars are eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.

“Addressing the Expanding IoMT Attack Surface”

“Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an RTLS Solution”

kontakt.io

Tim Young, senior presales engineer at Kontakt.io, discussed how to identify and avoid common pitfalls that decision-makers encounter in the complex and confusing world of RTLS. This webinar equiped decision-makers and users with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding the right RTLS solution for their current needs and future projects. Young also fielded questions from attendees during the live presentation and shared insightful answers. Attendees gave the session a positive rating via a post-webinar survey that also asked, “Was today’s presentation worth your time?” •

“Yes, this was a primer in RTLS justification and capability.” – Leo Velasquez, Cook Children’s Medical Center Clinical Engineering Manager

“HTM Data Modernization”

capitali.us Capital i CEO Tony Danko and Healthcare Technology Manager/Site Lead Derek Brown discussed HTM data modernization processes, and how to achieve best in class data management. They also shared how to develop decision-support tools. They also answered questions submitted by attendees. A recording of the webinar is available for on-demand viewing at WebinarWednesday. live. It was a popular webinar with 98 individuals registered for the session and 63 logged in for the live presentation. Attendees provided feedback via a survey that asked, “Was today’s presentation worth your time?” •

“Yes. We are going through the exact processes they discussed.” – Ken Collins, Principle IS Program Manager, Providence St. Joseph Health

40 TechNation | January 2024

crothall.com

Edward Myers, director of cybersecurity at Crothall Healthcare; Luke Smith, senior director of solution engineering at Asimily; and Peter Hancock, vice president of channel sales and strategic partnerships at Asimily, focused on the latest strategies to address the expanding IoT attack surface during the webinar. They also shared additional insights during a question-and-answer session with attendees. Attendees gave the session a rating of 4 out of a possible best rating of 5. A post-webinar survey gathered more feedback and asked the question, “What was your single biggest takeaway from today’s webinar?” •

“All of us in HTM need to continue to increase our IoMT cybersecurity knowledge. We need to be thought partners with IT and medical industry vendors. We have a vital role to play securing connected medical devices/systems.” – Tom Caballero, executive director-clinical technology, Kaiser Permanente

“Automating Clean Equipment Distribution with RTLS”

cognosos.com

Regional Sales Director for the Midwest and Great Lakes John Walsh discussed how maintaining PAR levels in clean rooms shouldn’t be a manual and time-consuming process. Hospital employees should be able to know immediately which rooms need urgent attention, and what is needed to fully restock that room. So, why are hospitals not taking advantage of technology and still struggling to do this manually? Walsh explored how certain RTLS solutions enable hospitals to fully automate clean equipment distribution and extract the benefits of the 4 Rs of asset management: the Right equipment, in the Right state, in the Right location, at the Right time. He also fielded questions and provided additional insights during an informative Q&A session. In a post-webinar survey, attendees were asked “Why did you attend today’s webinar?” •

“Get a better understanding of asset management and efficiency in regards to medical equipment.” – Ramiro Hurtarte, CBET, Kaiser Permanente Downey

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Watch these webinars on-demand

Tools of the Trade:

“Meet the Ivenix Infusion System”

fresenius-kabi.com

The recent Tools of the Trade live demo “Meet the Ivenix Infusion System, an IV pump that pumps differently” was a hit! The session was co-presented by the Fresenius Kabi team of Senior Technical Services Engineer Sarah Richardson, CBET, and Robert Canfield, the director of marketing. It is eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI. Richardson and Canfield discussed the Ivenix Infusion System, a state-of-the-art technology changing the game in delivering intravenous medications to patients. An IV pump that pumps differently. The Ivenix Infusion System can be fully EMR-integrated and provides accurate and safe delivery of medications to patients. The system uses advanced pneumatic pumping technology to measure and control the flow of medication, helping to ensure that patients receive the right dose at the right time. The system also has a broad range of safety features aimed at helping prevent errors and adverse events. Attendees provided feedback via a survey that included the question, “What was your single biggest takeaway from today’s product demo?” •

“Loved the product, product features, no PM.” – Michael Philpott, area clinical technology manager at Kaiser Permanente.

January 2024 | TechNation 41

ROUNDTABLE

Patient Monitors

he first roundtable article of 2024 looks at patient monitors. TechNation reached out to experts for the latest advice and information regarding these devices, including what to look for when purchasing them.

Participants in the roundtable article on patient monitors are Pioneer Biomedical Technician Manager Jake Haslag, Tenacore Senior Director of Capital Equipment Sales and Purchasing Brad Hejazifar, GE HealthCare GM Monitoring Solutions Neal Sandy, USOC Houston General Manager Kevin Wyatt and PM Biomedical Chief Operating Officer Ali Marwan Youssef. Q: WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN PURCHASING PATIENT MONITORS? HASLAG: There are a couple of things to consider when purchasing a monitor. First, you want to make sure you are purchasing the device from a trusted source. You also want to consider the age of the device to ensure it will be supported for years to come. HEJAZIFAR: It is crucial to understand the speciﬁc hospital department where the patient monitoring equipment will be

42 TechNation | January 2024

used before making a purchase. Departments might include the ED, General, ICU/CCU, Transport, Labor and Delivery (L&D), NICU, OR, PACU, Stepdown/Cardiac Care. Detailed information about software, configuration options, and usage type are very important to understand. SANDY: What we hear from customers every day is that they need flexibility, now and into the future. At GE HealthCare we call this FlexAcuity, the ability to flex capabilities based on individual patient needs and transition seamlessly between care areas across the enterprise. It means you have a unified monitoring platform that can adapt with your needs and is ready for the future. For example, the CARESCAPE Canvas monitoring ecosystem has the potential for a hospital to have one single unified approach to patient monitoring that can be easily tailored for each patient. This enables care teams to focus on the patient, not the technology. CARESCAPE Canvas’ innovative approach, where software and patient parameters can change in a very nimble manner, enable a standardized ecosystem that can adapt to changing health care needs. We saw this need during COVID and continue to see it today with trauma events and population health changes. WYATT: In selecting patient monitors, we at USOC Medical always emphasize the integration with existing systems and the capability for future upgrades, especially with emerging telehealth technologies. We advise considering monitors

with modular designs and robust data security features. It’s also crucial to look into the monitor’s power requirements, portability, screen resolution, data storage and brand reliability. Our team helps clients understand these factors, offering solutions that align with their total cost of ownership, including maintenance needs. YOUSSEF: When purchasing patient monitors, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right equipment for your health care facility. Here are some key considerations: • monitoring capabilities • customization and expandability • integration with electronic health records (EHR) • alarms and alerts • portability and mobility • battery life • connectivity and networking • training and support • cost and budget considerations By carefully considering these factors, you can select patient monitors that align with the specific needs and requirements of your health care facility. It’s advisable to involve health care professionals, biomedical engineers and IT staff in the decision-making process to ensure comprehensive evaluation and successful implementation. Q: WHAT ARE THE BASIC ‘MUST HAVE’ MEASUREMENTS EVERY PATIENT MONITOR SHOULD PROVIDE? HASLAG: Patient monitor “must have” parameters would be SPO2 and NIBP. These are some of the most basic measurements, but it provides clinical staff with the information to ensure proper patient care. HEJAZIFAR: The basic “must have” vital signs/ measurements are Electrocardiogram (ECG), SpO2, temperature (Temp), Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP), and Invasive Blood Pressure (IBP). There are many other measurements that can be added as well, such as End-Tidal CO2, EtC02, anesthetic agent, respiration, EEG and more. SANDY: Every patient monitor needs the core parameters used every day by clinicians but more importantly, they need to provide data the clinicians can trust for every patient at every point of care. At GE HealthCare, our FlexAcuity enabled platforms enable core parameters and allow you to add more advanced parameters whenever you need them. Patient monitoring needs are as diverse as the patients themselves. Having the flexibility to seamlessly scale your monitor to a patient’s needs ensures that every patient receives the “must have” monitoring that is relevant to their condition. Products like the CARESCAPE ONE from GE HealthCare that use medical grade micromodules make it very easy for clinicians to add or remove parameters as patient needs change.

WYATT: At USOC Medical, we understand the importance of monitors that can accurately track heart rhythm, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure. We recommend devices with advanced features like wireless connectivity and customizable interfaces, ensuring adaptability in various clinical environments. Our experience shows that advanced battery life and portability are increasingly sought after, and we guide our clients in choosing monitors that meet these modern demands. YOUSSEF: A comprehensive patient monitor should be able to provide essential measurements that help health care professionals assess a patient’s vital signs and overall health. The basic “must-have” measurements for a patient monitor typically include: • Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) • Heart Rate (HR) • Blood Pressure (BP) • Respiratory Rate (RR) • Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) • Temperature (Temp) These basic measurements provide critical information about a patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory status, as well as overall physiological well-being. In addition to these core measurements, modern patient monitors may also offer additional parameters. Q: HOW CAN AN HTM DEPARTMENT HELP EXTEND THE LIFE (USEFULNESS) OF PATIENT MONITORS? HASLAG: An HTM department can help extend the life of patient monitors by providing service and parts for the monitors. Even though the OEM may have implemented an “End of Life” for the model, there are many sources that provide parts and service to the ageing units, allowing you to keep the monitors up and running well beyond the manufacturer’s end of life. HEJAZIFAR: Taking preventive measures is always the best course of action. In addition, regular calibration and servicing of your devices can help prolong lifespan. By partnering with a service provider that has full repair capability, access to quality-tested parts, and certified replacement units, you can extend the use of your current fleet, avoid costly upgrades for your facility, and ensure that your patients receive the highest quality care possible. SANDY: Backward compatibility allows health care systems to upgrade to the latest capabilities at their own pace. For example, our CARESCAPE Canvas bedside monitor was developed and tested with the rest of GE HealthCare’s patient monitoring ecosystem, not only with the current devices available, but also with prior versions that are used across the 100 million patients monitored by GE HealthCare devices each year. WYATT: Our approach at USOC Medical to extending the lifespan of patient monitors involves proactive maintenance and timely repairs. Regular software updates and calibration are part January 2024 | TechNation 43

ROUNDTABLE

Jake Haslag

Pioneer Biomedical

Brad Hejazifar Tenacore

Neal Sandy

GE HealthCare

of our service ethos. We provide comprehensive training for staff on proper equipment handling, which is crucial for longevity. Our robust inventory of parts and a team of experienced technicians are always ready to assist, ensuring minimal downtime and optimizing the investment in these essential devices. YOUSSEF: A healthcare technology management (HTM) department plays a crucial role in maintaining and optimizing the performance of medical equipment, including patient monitors. Here are several ways an HTM department can help extend the life and usefulness of patient monitors: preventive maintenance; calibration and accuracy checks; and software updates and upgrades. By implementing these strategies, the HTM department can contribute significantly to extending the life and usefulness of patient monitors, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in supporting patient care. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and collaboration with manufacturers and health care staff are key elements of a successful HTM program. Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LATEST FEATURES AVAILABLE ON TODAY’S PATIENT MONITORS? HASLAG: Remote Access – allows the manufacturer to remote into your device to assist with troubleshooting and repairs. This is a helpful tool as the manufacturer can see in live time what is going on with the device and help you come to a resolution quicker. Bedside encryption – adds a safety layer to the bedside monitor. Using bedside encryption greatly diminishes the chances for a malicious attack to your hospitals network infrastructure. In today’s world this is a great added feature that many manufacturers have started implementing into their patient monitoring system. HEJAZIFAR: We are witnessing an increasing number of original equipment manufacturers integrating AI into their systems to provide timely alerts for clinical risks. These software advancements have the capability of predicting potential critical clinical events like sepsis, hemorrhage, cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure and intubation emergencies. SANDY: Flexible platforms, standardization and ease of use by leveraging micromodules that connect with standardized medical USB technology – simply adding or disconnecting cables equipped for various configurations enables more efficient care based on patient care needs. Patient mobility is key to recovery so monitors, especially in med/surg and 44 TechNation | January 2024

Kevin Wyatt USOC

Ali Marwan Youssef PM Biomedical

recovery units, need to support the patient getting up out of bed and walking around. GE HealthCare’s Portrait Mobile is a wireless and wearable continuous monitoring solution that provides a real-time personalized view of the patient. The device and sensors are wireless, so Portrait Mobile encourages mobility and goes wherever the patient goes, while measuring respiration rate, oxygen saturation and pulse rate continuously, while also allowing them to remain fully mobile, untethered by cable and wires. Portrait Mobile is wireless and fits in a hospital gown pocket or tele pouch, allowing patients to remain fully mobile during critical recovery periods, such as after surgery or discharge from the intensive care unit, all while clinicians have access to a personalized view of the patient’s vitals. Further, unlike wearables based on consumer technologies like Bluetooth, Portrait Mobile leverages an innovative purpose-built medical grade transmission protocol, Byndr, designed so the wireless signal is as reliable as a wired connection. WYATT: We’re excited about the latest patient monitors incorporating IoT connectivity and cloud-based analytics, which USOC Medical is adept at servicing and supporting. Our team is also exploring the integration of virtual assistant technology to aid clinicians. We focus on monitors offering customizable patient profiles for personalized care, aligning with our commitment to providing technology that meets individual patient needs and conditions. YOUSSEF: Patient monitors continue to evolve with new features, upgrades and technologies. Some examples are wireless connectivity, touchscreen interfaces, remote monitoring, modular configurations, smart notifications and alerts and advanced cardiac monitoring. Q: HOW DOES THE POSSIBILITY OF A HOSPITALAT-HOME PROGRAM IMPACT PATIENT MONITOR PURCHASE DECISIONS? HASLAG: There are many things that could impact patient monitor purchasing decisions and at-home programs would be one of them. One thing to consider would be the size/weight of the unit as the patient could be mobile while being monitored. Also understanding how the monitor will be used in the at-home setting would be crucial to determine the right monitor for your needs. The ability to store patient information and upload into the hospital system is a must have for an at-home use monitor.

HEJAZIFAR: It’s important to consider the unique details of each project. When purchasing patient monitoring equipment, it’s crucial to understand which hospital department or which types of clinical care are being provided. Having a hospital-at-home program may change the specific needs for a patient monitor. In a hospital-athome setting the greatest need may be for simple types of vital sign monitoring as compared to the more complex measurement tools needed in an acute care setting. SANDY: It is essential to provide for a smooth, seamless transition from hospital to home monitoring that provides for data continuity, consistent caregiver communication and care plan delivery. There are significant synergy opportunities around wearables that transition from hospital to home use, data management and AI to improve the identification of the patient candidate pool for home care and risk scoring. Utilizing one vendor who can provide both hospital and home monitoring increases the synergy opportunities and provides for a more consistent delivery of care. WYATT: At USOC Medical, we recognize the hospital-athome model’s growing importance. We advise on monitors that are not only portable but capable of continuous remote monitoring. Our recommended devices are user-friendly, with easy home Wi-Fi network connectivity, ensuring they meet the standards of hospital-level care in a home setting. Our team is dedicated to supporting these innovative solutions, making high-quality care more accessible. YOUSSEF: Hospital-at-home programs involve the provision of minor-level care to patients in their homes, allowing them to receive medical treatment and monitoring in a home-based setting rather than in a traditional hospital. Here are some ways in which the possibility of a hospital-at-home program can influence patient monitor purchase decisions: • Remote Monitoring Capabilities – Patient monitors used in hospital-at-home programs must have robust remote monitoring capabilities. These monitors should be able to transmit real-time patient data to health care providers, ensuring continuous and timely assessment of vital signs. • Wireless Connectivity – Patient monitors with wireless connectivity are essential for seamless integration into hospital-at-home programs. This allows health care professionals to monitor patients remotely and receive data updates without the need for physical connections. • Portability and Mobility – Consideration for patient monitors that are portable and easy to set up is crucial for hospital-at-home programs. This facilitates the mobility of the equipment within the patient’s home and allows for flexibility in care delivery. • User-Friendly Interfaces – The patient monitor should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface to accommodate not only health care professionals but also patients and caregivers. Easy navigation is

essential for effective use in a home setting. • Training and Support – Adequate training and support for both health care professionals and patients are crucial for the successful implementation of hospital-athome programs. Patient monitors should come with comprehensive training materials and ongoing support. Q: WHAT ELSE DO YOU THINK TECHNATION READERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PURCHASING AND SERVICING PATIENT MONITORING DEVICES? HASLAG: Ensure that it is compatible with other equipment it may be used with and know the intended use for the monitor. Even though the manufacturer may no longer support some units there are many third parties that still service and support these devices and will for years to come. Third-party servicers are a great option for hospitals looking to save some money and keep their hospital fleet up and running. SANDY: Purchasing of patient monitoring often includes not only the individual monitoring devices, but also the ecosystem. This can take many forms but often includes connectivity to central stations, remote viewing, integration to electronic health record systems and data exchange with other hospital IT systems and platforms. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate a vendor’s ability to support your purchasing needs not only today, but also into the future. Can future purchases work with past investments? Can the technology scale as your enterprise grows or changes over time. Is there an easy path to give your clinicians access to new technology as your standards of care evolve or new parameters and clinical measurements are introduced. WYATT: When it comes to purchasing and servicing patient monitoring devices, we at USOC Medical recommend taking a holistic view. We emphasize the importance of scalability and flexibility in monitors to adapt to evolving medical practices. We also focus on the environmental impact and sustainability of these devices. Our comprehensive training, robust warranty options and efficient customer service ensure our clients receive the best possible support throughout their monitor’s life cycle. YOUSSEF: TechNation readers, who are likely professionals in the healthcare technology management (HTM) and biomedical engineering fields, should be aware of several key considerations when it comes to purchasing and servicing patient monitoring devices. Such as interoperability and integration, standards and regulations, vendor relationships and support, biomedical equipment technicians (BMET) training, asset management software and much more. By considering these factors, HTM professionals can contribute to the successful purchase, implementation and ongoing service of patient monitoring devices in health care facilities. Keeping up to date on technological advancements, regulatory changes and best practices in the field is essential for providing high-quality patient care while maintaining the efficiency and reliability of monitoring equipment.

January 2024 | TechNation 45

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COVER STORY

FROM INFLUENCER TO

DECISION MAKER HTM’s Role in Contract Negotiation BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS

career is like a snowball, rolling uphill instead of downhill, gathering more knowledge and experience as it gains momentum. A person’s credibility, respect and authority also increase as they learn more relevant information through on-the-job experience, challenging situations and formal training programs and education.

Other job-related knowledge comes from colleagues, mentors, leadership and association participation.

48 TechNation | January 2024

The process of accumulating this savings account of tricks, tips, processes and protocols, techniques and procedures, relationships and nuance comes out of purposeful learning, simple experience and dedication. In HTM, the store of knowledge and experience has been slowly drained as veteran biomeds have retired and taken much of that knowledge and experience with them. Everything from soft skills, knowing about the work and procedures of nurses, physicians, technicians and field service engineers; these things help cultivate and shape a biomed’s actions and decisions. In any career, the employee who is new to that profession needs to go from rookie to veteran. Time on the job is one qualifier, but that doesn’t guarantee confidence,

insights and authority. education, involvement on local department or facility level In HTM, as in other professions, the job requires more than initiatives, volunteering for activities with professional HTM just “showing up” every day. There are a number of skill sets organizations and working with a mentor,” Busdicker adds. that must be learned, from time management to interacting Those views are shared by another member of leadership. with clinicians, maintenance and calibration procedures to “There are several avenues of approach for a biomed to infection-prevention protocols. advance from a rookie with an opinion to a HTM professional With this accumulated experience, a biomed becomes with respect and authority, when it comes to decision making. more valuable to their clinical colleagues and also to their team Avenues include a combination of knowledge attained from and management. They can then provide insights and sound technical publications, volunteering to be on committees in advice that helps the team in many specialized areas such as respected organizations, gaining work experience, continuing service contract negotiations. education, certifications, membership in a local biomed In terms of contract negotiations, association, mentorship and memthe biomed needs to bring reasoned bership in AAMI,” says Calvin We need to understand the and informed insights to the table that McDowall, DBA, CHTM, site senior point to considerations that only a difference between someone manager for TRIMEDX at Valley knowledgeable biomed would know. Health System in Winchester, with an opinion, an influencer Virginia. How does a biomed, new to the profession, go about the task of acMcDowall says that this journey is and a decision maker. I believe a process quiring and adopting the skills and and that it will take time to knowledge to formulate an informed attain the necessary knowledge and opinions are simply a verbal viewpoint that influences decision skills. Experience is one of the best judgement or view, influencers pathways and is a common denomimakers? It is one thing to be the biomed with among HTM professionals. will research the information nator an opinion and quite another thing to Experience provides real-world be a biomed whose insights and sugand provide valuable data to development of the HTM professional gestions receive serious consideration. along with lessons learned to the process, and decision “First things first, we need to unappropriately apply to future derstand the difference between opportunities. makers are the individuals someone with an opinion, an influ“In my experience, gaining encer and a decision maker. I berespect and authority begins at the signing on the dotted line. lieve opinions are simply a verbal rookie level. New technicians need to - F. Mike Busdicker judgement or view, influencers will be confident in sharing their opinions, research the information and prowhile also realizing they can gain vide valuable data to the process, and decision makers are more by listening closely to the experienced HTM techs. The the individuals signing on the dotted line. Of course, there experienced technicians will notice the interest shown and be are many levels or types of influencers and decision makers, more willing to help them grow as a technician. I am one that but that is a whole other topic,” says F. Mike Busdicker, MBA, believes you should take advantage of every opportunity CHTM, AAMIF, FACHE, system director of healthcare techpresented, as each is a learning experience and will help you nology management at Intermountain Health. make informed decisions at a higher level,” says Charles Woolfolk, manager of healthcare technology management at GUIDANCE FOR BIOMEDS NEW TO THE PROFESSION Temple Memorial Hospital and Clinics/McLane Children’s Is there a path that an entry-level biomed can take to Hospital/Continuous Care Hospital at Baylor Scott & White in become a decision maker? Are there decisions that can be Temple, Texas. made early in an HTM career to put a new biomed on a Working hard and showing the will to continue learning trajectory towards respect and authority? new devices are qualities that will gain respect for rookie The insights of experienced HTM professionals can give a technicians in the view of Ralph McCall, assistant director rookie biomed a leg-up in building a reputation as a source for of healthcare technology management at Texas Children’s useful information, such as service contract negotiations. Hospital. “The ability for individuals to progress from influencers to “By developing these skills veteran HTM professionals decision makers comes down to self-driven motivation with become more open to taking new techs under their wings guidance from current leaders. It is important for these and passing on any knowledge they have gained over the individuals to understand the role of an influencer and the years. Now becoming a true HTM professional is not only importance they play in the process,” Busdicker says. when you gain knowledge on equipment repairs and He says that there are times an actual decision may come preventative maintenance on multiple devices, but when down to the information, data and input from an influencer. you understand the clinical operations in health care as “Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to understand well,” McCall says. the difference. This can be accomplished through professional January 2024 | TechNation 49

COVER STORY

HTM PRO

MAYRA

MIKE

FRANCESCA

BAS, CBET, biomedical supervisor at Memorial Healthcare Systems in South Florida

MBA, CHTM, AAMIF, FACHE, system director of healthcare technology management at Intermountain Health

CBET, biomedical equipment technician in the biomedical engineering department at Stanford Health Care-Tri-Valley

BECERRA

He says that after years of being a technician, he became comfortable properly repairing and performing PMs on numerous devices, but when he started to speak with clinical leadership, he gained more knowledge of the impact of the field. “I believe it begins with competency. As a budding biomed, I had to prove I was competent to take on more responsibility. It is like juggling. You start with one pin, then two, three, four, so on and so forth. I also discuss my career goals with my management team, they know I aspire to be a CRES. Several hospitals have already begun taking imagining in-house. I worked on mobile X-rays at my last place of work. I would like to continue my training here,” says Francesca Fam, CBET, biomedical equipment technician in the biomedical engineering department at Stanford Health Care-Tri-Valley in Pleasanton, California. Busdicker says that individuals new to the HTM industry need to document their aspirations and set personal and professional goals. “Once this is complete, they should identify options available to gain the required knowledge and experience. The next step would be to evaluate these potential options, obtain input from leaders within and outside the industry and then move to action. Periodically, there should be a pause to evaluate progress and, if required, make any course corrections,” he says. Busdicker says that career progression and moving from someone with an opinion, to an influencer, and into a role with decision making responsibilities can be very satisfying. “The HTM industry is in a period when the next generation of leaders are being required to step forward. The success of new leaders is somewhat contingent on the knowledge and expertise passed down to them. Current HTM leaders should be focusing on the impression being left on the industry and not on their own personal legacy. This type of approach will provide the tools and resources necessary for new individuals to move from ‘a rookie in the field’ to ‘a leader in the industry,’ ” he adds. GET EXCITED ABOUT HTM In addition to tried-and-true recommendations for gaining credibility in the HTM field, the traits of passion and 50 TechNation | January 2024

BUSDICKER

FAM

enthusiasm cannot be overstated. A true commitment to the field, along with offering to participate beyond the base requirements of the job are necessary. “There are many paths to success, but I will tell you what worked for me. Show up! Be curious! Be willing! Speak up! Wear your passion on your sleeve!” says Mayra Becerra, BAS, CBET, biomedical supervisor at Memorial Healthcare Systems in South Florida. Becerra says that she started her career by simply showing up at a hospital and applying to be a volunteer. “Once accepted, I asked if I could help out in the clinical engineering department. This wasn’t common as they didn’t typically take volunteers, but not letting that derail my desires, I was able to speak up enough and this eventually happened! With wide eyes and a passion to help with anything I could, while always keeping a positive demeanor, opportunities began to surface,” she says. “A great attitude will inspire others around you to want to help out when you ask for guidance, so I asked away and jumped in! Concurrently, I was pursuing an associate degree in engineering technology with an emphasis in biomedical engineering, eventually a bachelor’s degree in technology management, and obtaining industry certifications like a CBET,” Becerra adds. That enthusiasm should be supplemented with a sense of professional ethics. “There are three words I live my life by; honesty, open-mindedness and willingness,” Fam says. She says that she always needs to be honest with herself and others. “Ethics plays an important role in our industry. Doing the right thing when no one’s watching. If I don’t know the answer to something, I could lie and make it sound convincing. But that would not sit right with me. Instead, I tell whoever is asking me that I will look it up and get back to him/her with the answer. Open-mindedness. If I didn’t have an open-mind, I would literally have no friends and never know I liked different types of music, foods, etc. How do you know you like or dislike something until you give it a try? Willingness. I am always willing to learn, to better myself/my community, and to help those in need when I am able,” Fam adds.

OFESSIONALS RALPH

CALVIN

CHARLES

healthcare technology management at Texas Children’s Hospital

manager for TRIMEDX at Valley Health System in Winchester, Virginia

technology management at Temple Memorial Hospital and Clinics/McLane Children’s Hospital/Continuous Care Hospital at Baylor Scott & White

McCALL Assistant director of

“The HTM industry is in a period when the NEXT GENERATION of LEADERS are being required to step forward. The SUCCESS of new leaders is somewhat contingent on the knowledge and expertise passed down to them. Current HTM leaders should be focusing on the IMPRESSION being left on the industry and not on their own personal legacy. This type of approach will provide the tools and resources necessary for new individuals to move from ‘a ROOKIE in the field’ to ‘a LEADER in the industry’ .” - F. Mike Busdicker

McDOWELL DBA, CHTM, site senior

WOOLFOLK Manager of healthcare

EVERY OPPORTUNITY BUILDS CREDIBILITY Creating a well-rounded and informed persona as an HTM professional requires exploring several avenues and participation and involvement in group activities internal and external to your employment. “Throughout my career, my decision-making skills were developed through a variety of job positions in the HTM field. I had opportunities both on the military and civilian side; small and large organizations; nationally and internationally. The experiences helped to stretch me and gave added confidence, respect and authority. I further compliment my experience with continuing education, CHTM certification, attending biomed association meetings, serving on committees in my organization and AAMI, and through mentorship. The more diverse the exposure, the better equipped the HTM leader is in making future decisions,” McDowall says. Getting involved with a local HTM association or society will provide more continuing education opportunities and contacts. “Most areas probably have a local chapter of an HTM group so go to meetings, learn, network, and engage with everyone you can to learn best practices and tap into some of the knowledge of those that came before you and are still leading the way forward,” Becerra says. She says that this eventually opened doors for her to take on official roles in the local HTM chapter and at the state level, and has served in different capacities on multiple boards from the bottom all the way to being the chair. “If you love what you do, and show that, and speak that to anyone and everyone that will listen, doors will open and the goals you thought were previously unattainable will begin to present themselves at every turn,” Becerra adds. Much of what determines the value that others place on the insights from a biomed comes from the level of respect that colleagues and clinical staff have for that person. “Whether it be learning about different types of equipment while on the PM committee or learning processes outside of your department during project planning meetings, I have learned something from every opportunity that has helped me in my current role. To gain respect requires more than experience. I see respect gained by being a team player, willing to help wherever you are needed and, most importantly, by showing respect to those around you,” Woolfolk says. He suggests that you learn as much as you can from the people you consider experts, ask questions and listen intently to the answers and reasoning and be willing to do the work to get to where you want to be. “To become an HTM with respect and authority in the community, I would say you just need to be present and of service. No matter what position you end up holding, or how much money you make, remember that we’re all human and come from different walks of life. Humility and gratitude are key. I never want to take for granted the gifts I’ve been given today, and maybe I can help someone, spread some knowledge, help someone be a better biomed (or person in general),” Fam says. January 2024 | TechNation 51

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CAREER CENTER

Thinking of taking on a side hustle? BY KATHLEEN FURORE o many people are taking on side hustles, some with much more success than others. How can someone tell if their idea is worth pursuing? And how should they decide when to begin?

Every situation, of course, is different – and the decision will depend on many factors, including the willingness to accept risk – something involved in any business venture. “No one way will work for everyone,” says Michael Sawyer, operations director for Ultimate Kilimanjaro, “but there are certain steps you can take when determining if your side hustle idea is worth pursuing.” Here, Sawyer and other professionals who have founded business ventures, share what some of those steps are. • Evaluate your skills and passion. “Ensure that this idea you are pursuing lines up with your passions and interests, and make sure that you have the skills relevant to this venture,” Sawyer advises. For Sofia Perez, owner and content manager at Character Counter, passion is a crucial aspect of the business-building process. “While you don’t have to have all the skills to launch something, for me, passion is important because if you want to make it work, having a natural belief in it is going to really help push you further,” Perez stresses. “If this is going to start as a side hustle, are you really going to put the effort into building something if you just don’t care that much about it?” • Determine market demand for the product or service. Beth Haven, founder and managing editor of BusinessMole, suggests tapping tools like Google Trends or conducting some sort of market research. “That can provide valuable insights,” Haven says. For Perez, determining demand was fairly simple and straightforward. “I knew to start my side hustle because when I went looking for an answer I needed I couldn’t find it – and it’s in those moments that you either realize you could be the person to fill the gap you’ve just found, or you can decide to just move on,” Perez says, who adds that it is also important to realize that not every gap in the market is going to be one that you need to, or should fill. “There could be a very good reason that gap exists,” she explains. “For example, it’s just not a viable business plan, or perhaps the gap you’ve noticed is not something in your wheelhouse or something that you’re passionate about.”

• Test your idea before fully committing to it. One way to do that is to run a simple survey on social media to gather feedback from your target audience, Sawyer says. • Compile a list of pros and cons. “Make sure that you are fully aware of the risks involved, and consider the worst-case scenarios, then make a contingency plan should this come to pass,” Sawyer suggests. • Assess the value proposition of what you want to offer. Ask yourself what distinguishes the idea from competitors, Haven advises. “A unique angle or solving a specific problem can be indicators of a viable side hustle,” she says. • Consider the time and resources available to launch and run the business. “Evaluate if those things are feasible alongside your current commitments,” Haven says. “Overextending can lead to burnout.” “Assess how much time your project will require,” Sawyer echoes. “Take your current workload and personal obligations into consideration and ensure that your side hustle doesn’t compromise your personal well-being or work obligations.” • Consider the profit potential. “While initial earnings might be low, there should be a clear path to financial viability,” Haven says. “Ensure personal finances can withstand the early stages of the side hustle where income may be unpredictable.” • Start small. Sawyer and Haven both recommend this approach. “Testing the waters will allow you to refine your approach if needed,” Sawyer says. It also will allow you to explore the idea’s viability without having to make a significant investment, Haven notes. • Launch when market conditions are favorable. Timing is especially crucial for seasonal products and services, Haven stresses. • Understand legal and regulatory issues. “Ensure all legalities and regulations are understood and addressed before starting,” Haven says. Kathleen Furore is a Chicago-based writer and editor who has covered personal finance and other business-related topics for a variety of trade and consumer publications. You can email her your career questions at kfurore@yahoo.com. January 2024 | TechNation 53

EXPERT ADVICE

20/20 IMAGING INSIGHTS

What’s That Noise? BY TED LUCIDI, CBET

oday, we’re surrounded by countless pieces of electronic technology. Who doesn’t have a cellphone in their pocket, or near themselves, somewhere? We even wear our technology. Almost every electronic device contains some type of oscillator circuit, which has the potential to affect the electro-magnetic spectrum. Whether you call it Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI), Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI), or environmental/atmospheric noise, EMI is a disturbance, from an external source, which affects the performance of an electronic circuit. Multiple articles have been published by the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health describing the overabundance of EMI as electronic pollution. They cite, “In many cases electronic pollution is much stronger than any natural sources of radiation.”

With the proliferation of IoT and wireless technology, the health care setting is even more densely saturated with electronic pollution. Throughout my 30-plus year career in ultrasound, one of the most frequent and most challenging problems to solve has been related to noise artifacts being displayed in an ultrasound image. Typically, these present as axial bands of constant or flashing color in Color Doppler mode. Intense sources of noise can affect 2D imaging in the form of faint gray, semi-axial streaks and/or semi-circular swirls overlaid on the image. Health care facilities are filled with massive amounts of RF pollution. At the macro-level, X-ray generators, electro-surgical generators, walkie-talkies and countless wireless devices quickly come to mind. I can confidently say that there are hundreds more that never would. 54 TechNation | January 2024

Notice curved lines present in mid-to-far field

Microwave ovens, florescent light ballasts, surgical lights, gel warmers, motorized doors, elevator motors, treadmills and, yes, a land-line phone are some of the more obscure sources that have, in-fact, been the root causes of noise in 2D and Color Doppler Modes. In the case of the elevator motor, successful troubleshooting took three months (late night visit – audible sound as elevator car was passing the floor I was on). Manufacturers design their ultrasound consoles and probes using various technologies to limit susceptibility to internal and external sources of RF energy. The concept of shielding is not new by any means and is credited to Michael Faraday in 1836. The main purpose is to prevent EMI from impacting sensitive electronics. In concept, successful shielding is achieved by using a metallic screen, or Faraday cage, to absorb EMI in the vicinity of the device. The shield absorbs EMI signals and funnels them to a ground connection or a virtual ground plane. By absorbing EMI signals before they reach the sensitive circuitry, the protected signals are kept clean. Most modern ultrasound consoles and probes are designed for increased EMI suppression. Still, there is no console or probe that is totally impervious to strong sources of RF energy. The amount of suppression depends on the types