Clinical Engineering at Intermountain Healthcare

F. Mike Busdicker is a seasoned professional with unwavering experience in financial management and human resources. With expertise in full P&L responsibilities, he excels in budget preparation, variance reporting, and capital planning. His skills extend to inventory management, contract negotiations, and cost reductions. In HR, he excels in employee appraisals, job descriptions, and union negotiations. Busdicker fosters team building, implements performance improvement plans, and encourages employee development. He is currently the system director of clinical engineering at Intermountain Healthcare.

In an exclusive interview with MedTech Outlook, Busdicker shared his invaluable insights on the challenges, trends, and technological developments in the biomedical space.

What are the most prominent challenges you currently observe in biomedical research?

A significant challenge confronting us currently is the state of our workforce. We must address the issue of ensuring an adequate influx of individuals into the pipeline to replace a workforce approaching retirement. This undertaking will guarantee a smooth transition and uphold the continual advancement of the healthcare industry in the forthcoming years. Another significant concern lies in cybersecurity, particularly regarding protecting data and information associated with medical devices. With the continuous advancement of technology, the interconnection and networking of devices are on the rise. To effectively navigate this landscape, we must remain at the forefront of security practices. This necessitates collaboration with manufacturers, service providers, and internal programs to implement robust security measures.

Additionally, a noteworthy trend in healthcare is that individuals are receiving medical treatment within the comfort of their homes, utilizing medical equipment and devices. It is crucial to equip our staff and caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to accommodate this transition. They should be adequately trained to provide service, perform device calibrations, and conduct preventative maintenance inspections within a patient's home environment.

When discussing with individuals in this particular domain, do you encounter any specific misconceptions or confusions related to biomedical?

There is a growing emphasis on individuals outside manufacturers' ability to service equipment. However, amidst this discussion, we must not forget the most important stakeholders are our patients and consumers. We should focus on providing them safe equipment, quality service, and affordable costs. Driving up expenses only burdens the consumers and hinders healthcare reform efforts to reduce costs. By prioritizing patient well-being and delivering cost-effective solutions, we can improve healthcare while keeping patients' needs at the forefront.

Could you perhaps elaborate on an interesting project or initiative that you are currently overseeing?

We are currently involved in an ongoing endeavor that entails the integration of two renowned healthcare systems. This undertaking involves integrating and harmonizing the operations of these systems, including the crucial task of facilitating seamless data sharing between them. However, we face a significant challenge in this process due to the disparate systems each organization employs for data storage, such as electronic medical record systems. Bridging the gap and establishing effective communication between these systems is a priority.

We focus on capturing the best practices from both organizations and implementing them across the merged enterprise. By standardizing the processes and streamlining data management, we aim to optimize the delivery of patient care. Our ultimate objective is to provide the highest quality of care to the communities we serve, leveraging both healthcare systems' collective strengths and expertise.

Are there any noteworthy emerging trends or technological advancements in biomedical that you want to draw our attention to?

The shifting focus toward outpatient and home care settings is a notable trend that merits attention. Dialysis and chemotherapy treatments are now being administered in patients' homes, enabling recovery in familiar surroundings. Similarly, surgeries that previously required overnight stays are performed outpatient, with patients returning home the same day. This shift enhances patient experience and reduces the burden of prolonged hospital stays.

Advancements in mobile technology and wearable devices are instrumental in this transformation. They facilitate remote monitoring, seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients, and efficient care delivery within the home setting. This integration ensures personalized and comprehensive healthcare services while allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Manufacturers seeking to drive healthcare innovation should focus on partnering with forward-thinking healthcare organizations. These collaborations aim to implement advanced technologies prioritizing patient safety, data security, and active patient involvement. By developing solutions that enable patients to understand their treatment processes and participate in decision-making, manufacturers can contribute to improved healthcare outcomes and a patient-centered healthcare system. The key lies in fostering collaboration and shared goals between manufacturers and healthcare organizations to shape the future of healthcare.

Could you tell us your approach to identifying good partners or solution providers? 

Our organization has an innovation department that plays a pivotal role in seeking out best practices and avenues for improvement. This department actively explores collaborations with reputable innovators to leverage their expertise and contributions. Moreover, the team adopts an innovative mindset, thinking beyond conventional approaches and striving to offer alternative options that prioritize patient well-being while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The overarching objective is keeping patients healthy, reducing their reliance on acute care facilities, fostering a healthier population, and optimizing resource allocation.

What advice would you share with a fellow professional about embarking on a similar journey in the biomedical space? 

It is essential to prioritize the patient as our goal and remain actively engaged in the healthcare solution. Rather than confining ourselves to silos within the industry, we should broaden our perspective and consider how we can contribute to healthcare reform and advancing healthcare. This extends beyond the equipment and involves exploring ways organizations can make a meaningful impact. By aligning our department's efforts with the organization's mission and vision, we can actively participate in bringing about positive change and be a valuable part of the solution.