ROUNDTABLE
ROUNDTABLE Patient Monitors
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echNation invited several industry leaders to share their insights regarding patient monitors in this roundtable article. A trio of experts accepted the invitation to share information with our readers regarding some new features HTM professionals should be aware of as well as cybersecurity concerns and more.
Participating are ReNew Biomedical’s Biomed Director Neil Davidson, Medical Equipment Doctor CEO Albert Negron and Southwestern Biomedical Electronics Vice President Larry Neilson. Q: WHAT ARE SOME NEW FEATURES BIOMEDS SHOULD SEEK OUT WHEN A FACILITY PURCHASES PATIENT MONITORS? DAVIDSON: Data transmission is important on any new piece of equipment. Assuring that the unit’s software is compatible to EMRs is
Neil Davidson ReNew Biomedical
always pertinent when preparing for a change. New technology displays are featuring useful reporting capabilities for service technicians. Ask for a sample of the reporting technology. These “smart” units have the ability to tell you what is wrong and where to look first. Both are helpful when the units are
EMPOWERING THE BIOMEDICAL/HTM PROFESSIONAL
desperately needed and you are in a time crunch. Plug and play technology makes any unit easy to use so look for that. Remember to ask questions such as: Is it easy to do software updates on the units? Is it configurable to meet the needs of the medical practice? Does it have a battery backup and what is the lifespan of the battery? (Be aware that touch screen technology may bleed the lifespan of battery backup.) Touch screen versus button technology may present different challenges too. Is there a simple preventative maintenance plan for the unit or does the unit need a OEM-certified technician to do the work? NEGRON: Integration ease with hospital electronic health records, ease of calibration and clear cyber protection plans. We are currently in an integration environment which allows departments to function more effectively. A product that can deliver more health information into the patient’s medical record would
FEBRUARY 2020
TECHNATION
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