Abstract

New technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we manage health and wellbeing now and in the future. But often seen as expensive and difficult to implement, the challenge is to identify the best technology to deliver real patient benefit and support its rapid adoption to help address the funding difficulties faced by all modern healthcare systems. In this paper we consider the traditional linear model of the technology adoption pathway as it pertains to healthcare, look at common challenges faced traversing this path and suggest solutions. In so doing, we recognise the limitations of the linear model and describe our version of a more realistic, non-linear model. Throughout, we will be looking at the key role of the Clinical Engineer to successful healthcare technology adoption based on our experience of supporting medical device products through to adoption and present the key lessons we learnt along the way.

Highlights

  • Modern healthcare is ever more dominated by technologies: technology has a role in hospitals and in community settings; in acute episodes and chronic care and technology can be used to prevent people becoming unwell in the first place and help us all live longer, healthier lives

  • Often seen as expensive and difficult to implement, the challenge is to identify the best use of technology to ensure it can deliver real patient benefit and support its adoption to help address the funding difficulties faced by all modern healthcare systems

  • Throughout, we will be looking at the key role of the Clinical Engineer to successful healthcare technology adoption based on our experience of supporting medical device products through to adoption

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Summary

Introduction

Modern healthcare is ever more dominated by technologies: technology has a role in hospitals and in community settings; in acute episodes and chronic care and technology can be used to prevent people becoming unwell in the first place and help us all live longer, healthier lives. Often seen as expensive and difficult to implement, the challenge is to identify the best use of technology to ensure it can deliver real patient benefit and support its adoption to help address the funding difficulties faced by all modern healthcare systems. It is suggested that much of the £30bn funding gap predicted in the NHS could be reduced with the adoption of appropriate technology. Research into new technologies, development from concepts to finished medical devices manufactured and distributed to the point of need, can be challenging and expensive. Navigating this adoption pathway, sometimes referred to as ‘Bench to Bedside’, in an efficient and timely manner is key to success. Throughout, we will be looking at the key role of the Clinical Engineer to successful healthcare technology adoption based on our experience of supporting medical device products through to adoption

The technology adoption pathway – the linear model
Invention phase
DESIGN
The so called ‘Valley of Death’
Healthcare environment
Reimbursement
Regulations
Finance – health economics
Partners
Implementation phase
The non-linear model
The role of clinical engineers – the ‘Integration Hub’
Key lessons
It’s never too early to utilise HTA
Clinical engineers should be at the heart of things
Conclusion
Compliance with ethical standards

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