HTM 24x7 24x7 Magazine

On the latest 24x7 podcast, host Keri Stephens was joined by Dr. Scott Lucas, Vice President of device safety at ECRI, to explore the impact of racial inequities on the accuracy of medical devices, specifically pulse oximeters. 

The conversation delved into how these devices might perform differently based on skin tone, potentially affecting the medical care provided to people with darker skin.

Pulse oximeters have been shown to sometimes give less accurate readings for individuals with darker skin tones. This is because darker skin absorbs more light, which can interfere with the device's ability to accurately measure blood oxygen levels. Lucas explained the technical aspects of how pulse oximeters function and why this discrepancy can be clinically significant, especially when patients are on the borderline of needing medical intervention.

The discussion also covered recent public attention to this issue, heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic when home use of pulse oximeters increased significantly. Recent studies comparing device readings with actual blood draws have confirmed the variability in accuracy, prompting the FDA to focus on improving device testing and standards.

Dr. Lucas highlighted that current FDA guidance requires more representation of diverse skin tones in the testing phases of device development to improve accuracy across all patient populations. The proposed guidelines include methods like the Monk Skin Tone Scale, which provides a more detailed representation of various skin tones.

Addressing how these findings could impact healthcare more broadly, Dr. Lucas emphasized the importance of ensuring that medical devices are designed and tested to be effective for all racial groups. This is particularly critical as medical technology, including AI, continues to evolve.

In this episode of the HTM 24×7 podcast, host Keri Stephens is joined by one of the top luminaries in the healthcare technology management (HTM) field, Danielle McGeary, AAMI’s vice president of HTM.
During the podcast, McGeary shares insights into AAMI’s recently refreshed Leadership Development Guide: A Resource for Healthcare Technology Management Professionals, a comprehensive resource designed to empower individuals aspiring to advance their careers within the HTM field. Over the years, HTM has seen significant changes, with new certifications and evolving skill sets, making it essential to update resources like the leadership guide to reflect the current landscape accurately, McGeary explains.
The conversation delves into the demographic shifts within HTM, highlighting the impending mass exodus of seasoned professionals and the urgent need for new leadership to fill the void. With approximately 60% of HTM field managers over the age of 55, the guide becomes crucial in preparing the next generation of leaders.
Key topics discussed include the importance of soft skills alongside technical proficiency, strategies for interviewing for senior-level positions, and the top three soft skills essential for success in HTM: effective verbal and written communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Listeners gain valuable insights into the nuances of leadership within the HTM field, including the distinction between being a manager and being a leader. Finally, the conversation emphasizes the significance of continuous self-assessment and development, encouraging individuals at all career stages to utilize resources like the Leadership Development Guide: A Resource for Healthcare Technology Management Professionals to chart their professional growth.

Welcome to the HTM 24/7 Podcast, where we delve into the latest in technology and cybersecurity. In this episode, our host, Keri Stephens, engages with Noam Moshe, a noted vulnerability researcher from Clarity's Team 82. They discuss groundbreaking findings in IoT security and their implications.

In this episode of the HTM 24x7 podcast, PartsSource President and CEO Phil Settimi, MD, joins host Keri Stephens delve into the key challenges within healthcare technology management (HTM), particularly parts and service contracts. Dr. Settimi’s background as a physician and his experience in medical device businesses laid the foundation for his involvement with PartsSource, a company dedicated to enhancing clinical uptime and streamlining the healthcare supply chain.
PartsSource began by analyzing data on supplier performance and realized the potential to transform the healthcare supply chain by applying evidence-based decision-making and technology. Their initial focus was on parts and accessories procurement, and they introduced PartsSource Pro, a technology-enabled solution that streamlined procurement processes, reduced costs, and improved productivity for hospitals.
The podcast also delves into PartsSource’s study of service contracts within healthcare systems. They found that health systems manage a significant number of contracts, with varying costs and a lack of transparency. Many hospitals are challenged by the complexity of managing these contracts, leading to inefficiencies and potential overpayments. Furthermore, the absence of vendor performance monitoring and a lack of standardized data make it difficult for health systems to evaluate and optimize their service contracts effectively.
In the podcast, Dr. Settimi suggests several strategies for overcoming these challenges, including consolidation and rationalization of contracts, risk-based analysis for vendor selection, and the use of national benchmarks to determine fair pricing. The implementation of technology plays a crucial role in streamlining workflows, monitoring vendor performance, and achieving cost savings.
Finally, the podcast emphasizes the need for evidence-based, tech-enabled solutions in HTM to improve clinical uptime and support healthcare professionals in delivering safe and effective care.
 

Join 24x7 chief editor Keri Forsythe-Stephens as she sits down with cybersecurity expert Scott Trevino to delve into the pressing issue of medical device cybersecurity. As senior vice president for cybersecurity at comprehensive clinical asset management service provider TRIMEDX, Trevino shares how he stays at the forefront of cybersecurity trends, with a keen focus on medical devices. Moreover, he reveals his pivotal role in developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for TRIMEDX's clients, aiming to fortify their defense against evolving cyber threats. The podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of healthcare cybersecurity. Trevino points out that the healthcare industry, particularly medical devices, has lagged significantly behind other critical infrastructure sectors in terms of cybersecurity maturity. He cites alarming statistics, showcasing a staggering 200% increase in ransomware attacks in the past five years. He also highlights the severe impact of cyberattacks on patient care, clinicians, and HTM professionals. Trevino emphasizes that delays in treatment due to cyber incidents result in a 30%-plus increase in direct patient harm or complications, profoundly affecting patient outcomes. The conversation turns to the legislation and regulations surrounding medical device cybersecurity. And Trevino discusses the recent legislative actions empowering the U.S. FDA to enforce cybersecurity requirements on medical device manufacturers. However, he warns against relying solely on legislation and encourages healthcare providers to proactively assess and improve their cybersecurity practices. Finally, Trevino shares how TRIMEDX has launched a revolutionary cybersecurity solution called Vigilor. This product provides comprehensive cybersecurity services to hospitals, even those without TRIMEDX's clinical engineering program. Scott discusses how Vigilor works collaboratively with existing biomed teams and IT departments to assess risks and drive improvement. To learn more about Vigilor from TRIMEDX or to request a Cyber Current State Assessment, visit trimedx.com/cybersecurity.

In this episode of the 24x7 podcast on the MEDQOR Podcast Network, 24x7 chief editor Keri Forsythe-Stephens welcomes good friend of the podcast Chace Torres (aka: “The Bearded Biomed”) to discuss the launch of his new book, “Ollie the Biomed.” Torres shares that the book was inspired by the impending arrival of his firstborn son and his desire to create awareness and interest in the biomed field at an early age. He believes that building awareness among children is crucial and compares it to how kids learn about other professions through cartoons and books.
Torres describes the process of writing and publishing the book, starting with multiple drafts and revisions of the script. He reveals how he collaborated with an artist via an online app to create the illustrations, ensuring they reflected his vision. 
The industry’s response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive, with biomeds and their children enjoying the story and illustrations. Torres’ goal is to extend the book’s reach beyond biomeds and into schools and libraries, and he has already donated copies to Children’s Health Hospital. He plans to explore various avenues, including school programs and awards, to further promote the book’s outreach.
Overall, the podcast highlights Torres’ journey in writing and publishing “Ollie the Biomed” and emphasizes the importance of introducing children to the biomed field at an early age. Interested parties can buy the book here.