How do you find the right healthcare technology?

Changing the ways of things so you do not have to find the right healthcare technology, but rather-it finds you; All in all a better means of mobilizing and democratizing usage based on lifts to prognosis.

Relationships either through individuals or through networks are key to identifying technology that organisations can deploy to enhance their ability to achieve strategy. What shouldn't be forgotten is that technology is an enabler. It is not the end but the means to the end - which is to realise strategy. Where strategy dictates developing a new capability, then of course, technology should be an element of this but people are the most important most organisations have. Eco-systems and partnering is key to this. It enables flexibility and optionality when extensive investment in a single product or service may generate inertia, change fatigue and considerable cost overruns.

In my experience, one of the most important things to consider is the acceptance and adoption of the technology. It is important that end users be surveyed before implementing and bringing new technology in clinical practice. Just making decisions at the executive level without end user feedback sets up for user dissatisfaction and poor adoption.

Biomedical engineers use engineering to solve medical problems. They need to evaluate their current situation before looking for new or better technology. They need to consider their problems, goals, measurements, and resources. They need to choose the technology that best fits their criteria.

What helps is to use a User-Centered Design approach based on user feedback collection to understand how to best fit the solution with the need and to engage them during the process. Some practical ways can be interviews, usability tests, and workshops.

Before moving to execution, the ROI needs to be calculated. Does the solution match the problem? Is the investment justified based on its costs and its results? What are the effects on the productivity of the team and the team size?

This is a key point to remember. Often times, we implement new processes and do not get periodic feedback from the stakeholders. Technology implementation has to be an iterative process which incorporates timely and periodic feedback which subsequently should lead to modification in the systems as needed.

Biomedical engineers need to review and improve their technology regularly. They need to measure and report their performance and impact. They need to get and act on user feedback. They need to make changes or enhancements to optimize their technology. Reviewing and improving can help them maintain quality, relevance, and value.

Right healthcare technology is the one which empowers clinicians and allied professionals to improve patient care without increasing the burden of already complicated systems in place. If at all possible, replacing current process should be a priority rather than adding new protocols. Our time is limited and our capacity to impose new technology is quite unlimited.