EBME Expo
sets required by a modern EBME workforce. “The old mentality in EBME was that you must
have an HNC in electronics…However, we have been working in collaboration and speaking to NHS England to develop a standardised training programme with healthcare science qualifications, recognised by the National School of Healthcare Science. We approached providers to update their course content, to remove some of the things we don’t feel is relevant anymore, and to bring in key subjects that reflect the changing demands of the role,” Iain Threlkeld revealed. All hospitals in the Yorkshire region now have a standardised approach to training. “We are all following the same programme, using the same training guides and learning materials, so engineers can move between hospitals in the region and their new employer will know they have been trained in the same way,” he commented. While a framework for training has now been put in place, it has not been matched by funding from NHS England to support the next generation of engineers required, which Iain Threlkeld described as “a concern”. Succession planning, in light of an ageing
workforce, was also high on the agenda. One member of the Network revealed that they were being asked to present their workforce plan to the Executive Board for the next 10 years. They suggested that the next generation may want to work differently, with greater flexibility and a greater focus on the work/life balance. It was also suggested that the new generation
may tell employers when they want to work; they may choose to work one or two days a week and have their own business running alongside,
for example. This may mean that we see an increase in remote working, with engineers working from home on connected medical devices. The profession may have to adapt to a changing employment landscape, making use of the available technology to support hybrid models of working.
Intelligent devices and connectivity John Sandham added that this is where intelligence within the equipment will be particularly important – there will be increased visibility of device maintenance requirements, while service periods may also be extended. Manufacturers will have a key role to play, as medical device connectivity and AI enable new ways of working. While software developments will help to
transform EBME maintenance, increasing intelligence in medical devices will also help guide doctors on the state of the patient. John highlighted the development of intelligent systems for patient observations, such as Visensia. Based on multiple physiological readings, the technology can inform clinicians as to whether the patient’s condition is improving or deteriorating. This physiological monitoring system is software that uses a standard Health Level 7 (HL7) interface for communicating to and from other data sources such as bedside monitors, central stations, telemetry kits and electronic patient records.4 “The research shows that the software is
often more accurate and quicker at deciding whether the patient is getting better or worse (providing the readings are correct), than the doctor or the nurse. It means that the patient
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gets treated sooner, gets discharged faster, and that has the impact of lowering costs for the NHS,” commented John Sandham. Sonia Tedeku, from the HealthTech manufacturer, Mindray UK, further explained how software developments and connectivity are advancing patient care. The M-Connect IT solution, for example, elevates individual patient monitoring to create a universal central monitoring platform, offering increased visibility, streamlining workflow and improving clinical decision making. “Instead of viewing data on multiple devices
all around the operating room, we can bring data from many interfaces and systems all onto one device’s screen – essentially, to simplify things for clinicians. “Connectivity is a really big focus for healthcare right now, and we are driving this across many devices – not just patient monitoring, but with ultrasound, anaesthesia and ventilation. We have a transport ventilator, for example, where you can move from one care area to another and all of the patients’ data is tracked…The technology is advancing at pace – I cannot imagine what this will look like in a few years’ time,” she commented.
Ethics and engineering Prof. Helen Meese, Founder and CEO of the Care Machine, and a past Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Division, IMechE, went on to raise the issue of ethics when introducing new technology – she commented that the IMechE has been highlighting the potential for a new role of “Patient-Enablement Engineers”. There is a need to build on the well-proven techniques of rehabilitation and assistive technology
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