Caregiver challenges to maximize the benefits from Medical Technology

In today's rapidly advancing healthcare landscape, medical technology plays a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of care delivery. From monitoring devices to diagnostic equipment, nurses, doctors and technicians interact with a myriad of technological tools on a daily basis. However, harnessing the full potential of these technologies comes with its own set of challenges, which often go unnoticed.

This article explores the hurdles faced by caregivers, in optimizing the use of the medical technology they have invested in. From the overwhelming array of devices to the lack of continuous training and the rapid pace of change, caregivers are faced with many obstacles, hindering their ability to effectively leverage their technology to its fullest potential.

We will shed light on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and discuss solutions which make it easier for them to continuously benefit from the innovation in their medical products and solutions.

Overwhelming Interaction with Medical Technology

Nurses, in particular, find themselves at the forefront of utilizing medical technology on a daily basis. Some research estimates that nurses spend an average of 30% to 50% of their time interacting with various technological devices and systems during patient care. With such a high volume of devices to navigate, from blood pressure devices, to beds, to mechanical ventilators, through to feeding tubes, IV pumps and more, it becomes virtually impossible for caregivers to master every single piece of equipment.

While medical technology has undoubtedly improved patient outcomes, the sheer volume of devices can be overwhelming for caregivers, who often find themselves juggling multiple devices simultaneously. This often leads to healthcare providers only utilizing the very basic aspects of equipment, and not using the advanced features. The innovations integrated into the latest medical devices are therefore not being leveraged in the way that the manufacturers designing them had intended.

Dealing with Various Manufacturers and Products

The diversity of medical technology suppliers and products further complicates the lives of caregivers. With multiple manufacturers offering a wide range of devices and systems, interoperability issues and workflow disruptions can arise. There is no standardization across user interfaces and certainly no unified approach to learning.

 

Lack of Continuous Training

One of the primary challenges faced by caregivers is the lack of continuous training on medical technology. While initial training sessions are provided, ongoing education and skill development are often neglected. According to some research, only 25% of nurses receive regular training on new medical technologies after their initial orientation.

Continuous training is crucial for caregivers to remain proficient in utilizing medical technology, however, due to time constraints and resource limitations, this type of training is often neglected.

Even when caregivers receive comprehensive initial training on medical technology, the knowledge acquired can quickly diminish if the technology is not used frequently. In my own experience as Head of Clinical Education and Applications for a global medical device manufacturer, I have seen how quickly caregivers can forget their initial training, sometimes within a few months, if they do not regularly interact with the technology that has been installed.

High Turnover of Staff

In addition to the lack of continuous interaction with technology hindering a caregivers’ path to product mastery, the healthcare industry faces significant challenges related to staff turnover, particularly among nursing professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the turnover rate for registered nurses in the United States reached 17.1% in 2023, posing a significant challenge for healthcare facilities in maintaining a skilled workforce. This is similar in other parts of the world, especially in those countries with a reliance on an ex-patriot workforce.

During my time as Head of Education, I was often asked by hospitals to provide additional training to their teams as their super users had moved on to new positions in their own institution or to other clinics, taking their key product knowledge with them. Additionally, I received many requests to support the influx of new hires, where the department did not have enough resources to train new staff on the array of devices they would be working with.

Rapidly Increasing Innovation

The landscape of medical technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements emerging at a rapid pace.  According to a research industry network report, the global MedTech market size was valued at USD 574002.45 Million in 2022 and will reach USD 814159.2 Million in 2028. This will likely be fuelled by new innovations in smart technology, artificial intelligence, wearables, personalised care and healthcare informatics.

The rapid rate of innovation presents both opportunities and challenges, as caregivers must continuously adapt to new technologies while ensuring optimal patient care. Without a plan to sustainably help caregivers keep up with these technologies and to benefit from them on an ongoing basis, there is a danger that the innovation and it’s intended positive impact on health outcomes will be lost.

Conclusion

From overwhelming interactions with multiple devices to the lack of continuous training and the rapid pace of innovation, caregivers must overcome numerous obstacles to maximize the potential of the medical technology they have invested in.

 “How-to” platforms such as www.simpi.com/medical can address some of these challenges by providing nurses, doctors and technologists with quick, in context and continuous access to product use information at the point of care.

If caregivers can easily and consistently leverage all of the innovative features embedded into their healthcare solutions, we can expect to see a positive impact on outcomes for patients and staff alike.

At www.unplainjane.net we have a deep understanding of the complex landscape of the healthcare environment and experience across a wide variety of modalities from critical care and cardiology to radiology, laboratory, home healthcare and beyond. Reach out to us and discover how we can help optimize your medtech marketing strategy.