Being a (Clinical) Team Player

Abstract

Healthcare is a dynamic and unique environment, colored by very stressful and very emotional situations. At the same time, clinicians are being asked to learn more technologies and processes at the point of care. While important and valuable, these technologies and processes can take clinicians away from their patients and from their core function of delivering care. In this stressful and multitasking environment, eliminating even a single task for a clinician can make a positive impact on patient care. Conversely, adding a task to a clinician's workflow can make a negative impact on the delivery of care. And that's where we come in: Clinicians are not alone. They should know that there can be a support system developed by partnering with biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) and clinical engineers (CEs).Perhaps the single greatest attribute that sets BMETs apart from other types of service technicians is the level and variety of clinical knowledge they must possess to function. BMETs should leverage that knowledge—and learn more about clinical workflow and associated challenges—to gain and build on the respect of our clinical partners.BMETs have an established presence in clinical environments and thus have a great opportunity to be part of the clinical team—not only being a resource for the clinician but a true partner in the delivery of care. As the technical subject matter experts, BMETs support clinicians in a variety of ways. Whether it's facilitating retraining on medical devices, consulting, deploying technology that complements the clinical workflow, or simply scanning the care environment for potentially hazardous situations, the biomedical support staff can partner with the clinical team to improve patient care.BMETs operating and providing service at the point of care add value by providing the clinicians with a layer of support and comfort. Sometimes just being there during a procedure as a back-up or to walk a clinician through a device menu can allow the clinician time to focus on the patient and not on the beeping device. Being at the point of care will lower the probability of device failures. Observing how clinicians use the equipment while managing all of the other devices such as alarm pagers and mobile phones can spark ideas on how to improve device usage.Even though the clinicians are end-users and provide feedback, the biomedical technicians are in a better position to look for better options since they have a broader perspective on devices and their multiple usages. Even the simple changes, such as relocating electrical outlets higher on the wall, can reduce failure on devices that are commonly plugged in and unplugged for mobile use. This type of thing may seem unnecessary, nontraditional, or even redundant; however, if at the end of the day it contributes to positive patient outcomes, then it is worth it. After all, we are all in the business of patient care.Working with clinicians at the point of care gives BMETs a great perspective to later provide technological recommendations for improvements in patient care and safety. This is an important perspective to have and can be vital when working in multidisciplinary groups, such as committees on patient safety or the environment of care. As BMETs working collaboratively with clinicians, we learn where the pain points are and can therefore suggest and, hopefully, implement changes for the better. Taking a proactive approach to improving clinical workflow will complement patient safety goals. If successful, you will truly be part of the clinical team.