AAMI 100 HOSA BMET

What is Healthcare Technology Management (HTM)?

HTM is the field responsible for managing the selection, maintenance, and safe and effective use of medical technology and systems in hospitals.

What roles do HTM professionals play in healthcare?

HTM professionals are integrated members of the healthcare delivery team and influence the management of healthcare technology.

What occupations fall under Healthcare Technology Management?

Occupations include Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs), Clinical Engineers, and HTM Supervisors/Managers/Directors.

What qualifications do Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) typically have?

BMETs typically hold a 2- or 4-year technology or electronics degree or can be military trained.

What are the primary responsibilities of a BMET?

BMETs repair, calibrate, maintain clinical equipment, inspect, install, and provide planned maintenance for medical devices.

How are BMETs classified?

BMETs can be classified as BMETs 1, 2, 3, or specialists based on the complexity and type of equipment they work on.

What is the significance of a Medical Equipment Maintenance Plan (MEMP)?

The MEMP outlines policies for asset management, equipment tracking, maintenance documentation, and training competence.

What does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect?

HIPAA is designed to protect patient confidentiality and ensure that HTM professionals do not expose patient information.

What are some day-to-day tasks of a BMET?

Tasks include troubleshooting, repairing equipment, maintaining inventory, setting up new equipment, and providing support to clinicians.

What is a key expectation for BMETs regarding dress code?

BMETs are expected to wear Business Casual Attire unless directed otherwise, as appropriate attire is a professional expectation.

What types of shifts do BMETs typically work?

BMETs may work various shifts, including early morning, second, or third shifts, and may be on-call if the hospital does not have multiple shifts.

Why is continued training important for BMETs?

Continued training is essential for BMETs to keep up with new trends and techniques in medical technology.

What types of training can BMETs pursue for continued education?

Training options include on-the-job training, manufacturer training, and virtual training such as webinars.

What is the role of BMETs in ensuring patient safety?

BMETs ensure that medical equipment is available and functioning properly to guarantee patient safety.

What should BMETs do in response to equipment recalls?

BMETs must respond to equipment recalls and implement required solutions to ensure patient safety.

What is the importance of following Policies and Procedures in healthcare?

Policies and Procedures provide consistent rules governing all aspects of an organization's operations, ensuring compliance and safety.

How do BMETs assist with technical configurations of devices?

BMETs coordinate equipment installations and assist with the technical configurations of devices.

What is the relationship between BMETs and IT departments?

BMETs work with IT to ensure that equipment sends data where it needs to go.

What is a common misconception about the role of BMETs?

A common misconception is that BMETs are solely technical experts; they also play a vital support role within the clinical team.

What is the impact of technology changes on BMETs?

Technology changes require BMETs to continually learn and adapt their skills throughout their careers.

What types of organizations employ BMETs?

BMETs can be employed directly by hospitals, Independent Service Organizations (ISOs), or as field service technicians for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). They can also work for hospitals.

What is a core responsibility of a BMET?

Repair and maintenance of medical equipment to ensure safe and accurate performance.

What is the top priority for all BMETs?

The safety of patients and users.

Why is the repair and maintenance of medical equipment important?

To ensure the safe and accurate performance of the devices.

What are the essential tasks of a Biomedical Technician?

Technical troubleshooting, incoming inspections, and scheduled maintenance.

What is the foundation of a comprehensive medical equipment management program?

A complete and accurate inventory of all medical equipment within the hospital.

Why is maintaining an inventory of medical equipment important?

It is necessary for complying with regulatory standards required by accrediting agencies.

What are the two categories of medical equipment in the HTM inventory?

Critical (Life Support Equipment) and Non-Critical (Non-Life Support Equipment).

What distinguishes Critical equipment from Non-Critical equipment?

Critical equipment has more stringent maintenance requirements than Non-Critical equipment.

What are Class I devices according to the FDA?

Low-risk devices, such as bandages and handheld surgical instruments.

What are Class II devices according to the FDA?

Intermediate-risk devices, such as CT scanners and infusion pumps.

What are Class III devices according to the FDA?

High-risk devices that are crucial for health or sustaining life, such as pacemakers.

What is the FDA's definition of a recall?

A manufacturer's action to address a problem with a medical device that violates FDA law.

What are the two types of actions a company can take when addressing a medical device problem?

Correction (fixing the device where it is used) and Removal (taking the device out of use).

What constitutes a Class I recall?

Products which could cause serious injury or death.

What constitutes a Class II recall?

Products which might cause serious injury or temporary illness.

What constitutes a Class III recall?

Products unlikely to cause injury or illness but that violate FDA regulations.

What does the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) of 1990 require?

User facilities to report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the manufacturer if a medical device has caused or contributed to a death, illness, or injury.

What should you do if you are aware of an adverse event involving a medical device?

Sequester the device, label it 'Do Not Use', report to your supervisor, and document the incident.

What is the purpose of medical equipment service?

To ensure that medical devices used by patient care providers are safe and effective.

What is an effective medical device?

A device that performs its intended function to help patients.

What is a safe medical device?

A device that does not cause harm to patients.

What are Incoming Inspections?

Acceptance testing on new devices to ensure they work as intended and meet safety and QA tests.

What must be included in an incoming inspection?

Verification that the device is working, passes safety tests, and has necessary service documentation.

What is required for all medical devices entering a healthcare facility?

They must be evaluated and included in the medical equipment inventory.

What types of checks are performed before the initial use of medical equipment?

Safety, operational, and functional checks.

What is a visual inspection?

An inspection using vision, hearing, touch, and/or smell to assess the condition of medical equipment.

What should you visually inspect in a medical device?

Check if the equipment is undamaged, plugged in, and operational.

What is the purpose of a safety check on a medical device?

To ensure the unit is properly grounded and will not cause a shock hazard to the patient or user.

What equipment is used to measure ground resistance and chassis leakage?

Specific test equipment designed for safety checks.

What is an operational check?

An 'out of the box' examination to ensure the device is not externally damaged and has all accessories.

What follows an operational check in the testing process?

A functional check is performed once the electrical safety and operational checks are completed.

What does a functional check verify?

It verifies that the functions of the device are working according to the manufacturer's specifications.

What is Planned/Preventative Maintenance (PM)?

Scheduled maintenance activities that occur at defined frequencies to verify device performance and restore it to good condition.

Why are PM activities important?

They aim to reduce the likelihood of future issues by replacing worn components before they fail.

What must organizations follow for PM activities?

The manufacturer's recommendations for procedures and frequency mandates.

What defines high-risk medical equipment?

Equipment that poses a risk of serious injury or death if it fails, typically including life-support equipment.

What is the distinction between high-risk and non-high-risk equipment?

High-risk requires vigorous maintenance, while non-high-risk may or may not require maintenance depending on the device.

What does OEM stand for in the context of preventive maintenance?

Original Equipment Manufacturer.

What is Alternative Equipment Maintenance (AEM)?

Any maintenance procedure that deviates from the manufacturer's recommendations for process or frequency.

What are the three important factors in developing AEM maintenance strategies?

1. Relying on various sources for information. 2. Documenting risks to patient health and safety. 3. Adhering strictly to developed AEM activities.

What types of equipment cannot be included in an AEM implementation?

Imaging devices, lasers, anything regulated by state or federal regulations, and new devices without sufficient history.

What is corrective maintenance (CM)?

Repair of a medical device when it fails, which may involve fixing or replacing the device.

What are key criteria for good corrective maintenance from a patient care perspective?

Ease of getting help, speed of knowledgeable assistance, quick repair turnaround, and communication about delays.

What administrative criteria are important for corrective maintenance?

Cost of repair, timing for replacement, availability of needed equipment, and impact on patient care.

What role do BMETs play in equipment decommissioning?

They ensure proper disposal, removal of potential patient health information, destruction of hard drives, and update inventory status.

What is the significance of changing the status of a decommissioned device in the hospital's inventory?

It reflects that the equipment is no longer in service and/or at the facility.

What is a Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS)?

A software solution designed to facilitate the daily operations of a Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department by collecting and storing essential asset information for all devices within the medical equipment inventory.

What are the primary functions of a CMMS?

To schedule and document operational, preventive, and planned maintenance activities for medical equipment, generate and prioritize work orders, and manage trouble calls.

Why is an accurate inventory of medical equipment essential?

It is the foundation for any comprehensive medical equipment management program and is required for compliance with regulatory standards.

What is assigned to each asset in a hospital's inventory?

A unique equipment ID number, which is used to identify and reference the asset throughout its time in the hospital.

How is the unique equipment ID number typically displayed?

It is usually placed on the asset by a hospital-issued sticker.

What documentation is required by accrediting organizations?

Accurate and up-to-date documentation of all service activities, including maintenance and inspections.

What information should be recorded when adding devices into the CMMS?

Unique equipment ID number, manufacturer, model number, serial number, equipment type, location in the hospital, device owner, equipment status, acquisition information, and warranty information.

What additional fields may be included in the CMMS inventory?

Purchase information and contract information.

What must be documented in work orders?

All maintenance and service activities, including who performed the work, time taken, replacement parts used, costs, test equipment used, and results of repairs or maintenance.

What are the two types of work orders in CMMS?

Auto-Generated and Manually Entered work orders.

What triggers auto-generated work orders?

Planned/Preventative Maintenance activities that are scheduled in advance at fixed intervals.

How can manually entered work orders be created?

Through a work request submitted by a hospital employee or entered by the BMET completing the ad hoc work.

What is the purpose of service manuals in hospitals?

To provide detailed instructions for servicing, maintenance, and repair of medical devices.

What do factory service manuals (FSM) include?

Maintenance procedures, intervals, parts lists, and troubleshooting information.

Why are service manuals essential for Healthcare Technology Management (HTM)?

They ensure accurate maintenance, regulatory compliance, troubleshooting support, training resources, and legal protection.

What organizations require compliance with proper documentation for equipment maintenance?

The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, and FDA.

How can service manuals be stored?

Physically or digitally, as a best practice for effective HTM operations.

What is the role of service manuals in training?

They serve as training resources for new technicians and quick references for experienced staff.

What legal protections do service manuals provide?

They help protect the HTM department and facility from liability related to improper maintenance or device malfunctions.

What is the importance of communication skills for a BMET?

Communication skills are crucial for effective interaction within the healthcare technology management field.

What should you follow regarding communications in the hospital/company?

Follow hospital/company policies regarding communications.

What is essential when sending emails and texts?

Send clear and understandable emails and texts, knowing when to text, call, or send an email.

What is appropriate phone etiquette?

How you answer phones and how to exit each call is essential.

When should you leave notes or written reports?

Know when to leave notes or written reports on outstanding work.

How should you communicate with co-workers?

Communicate clearly and concisely up and down the chain of command.

Why is honest and clear communication important?

Honest communication, such as informing about a device being out of service longer than expected, builds trust.

What should you be aware of when communicating with others?

Be aware of others' emotions as people communicate differently.

How does strong communication relate to conflict resolution?

Good, clear communication is crucial in resolving conflicts.

What does strong communication reflect?

Strong communication skills reflect on you and your company/department.

What type of language should be used in all communications?

Use appropriate language in all communications at all times.

What type of content should be avoided in emails?

Avoid sending anything provocative in emails.

What kind of training do most organizations provide?

Most organizations have some sort of communication training.

How does communication reflect on a professional?

How you communicate is a direct reflection of you as a professional.