Integrating patient-care devices with information technology
19 October 2006
Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA. ECRI, a nonprofit health services research
agency with offices around the globe, will provide guidance on navigating
some of the stumbling blocks associated with the convergence of medical
devices and information systems during a November 15, 2006, audio
conference.
The escalating number of medical devices designed with software-based
features presents new challenges for hospitals and healthcare systems. To
ensure patient safety and optimal performance, clinicians and hospital staff
must prepare for this integration of information technology (IT) into a wide
range of diagnostic and therapeutic devices.
In the audioconference, expert presenters will discuss protecting patient
privacy, ensuring that clinicians understand how to use complex devices, and
making informed purchasing decisions. Attendees will gain an understanding
of key convergence-related policies to develop (eg patient data security);
practical considerations for purchase decision-making; and critical patient
safety concerns. Audio conference participants will also learn about key
infrastructure issues and staffing needs that must be addressed in order to
effectively prepare for the use of IT-based medical technologies.
"Navigating New Territories: The Convergence of Medical Devices and
Information Technology" will take place Wednesday, November 15, from 1:00 to
2:15 p.m. EST (12:00 to 1:15 p.m. CST; 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. MST; 10:00
to 11:15 a.m. PST). Expert speakers will discuss:
- Core competencies required to manage IT/medical device convergence
- Technologies to adopt now versus those to wait on
- New business issues to consider
- Lessons learned from IT-based medical device implementations (e.g.,
cardiology PACS)
Conference speakers will include James Keller, MS, Vice President, Health
Technology Evaluation and Safety, ECRI; Jeffrey B. Cooper, Ph.D., Director
of Biomedical Engineering, Partners Healthcare System, Inc.; Stephen L.
Grimes, FACCE, Director of Clinical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center; and Nathan Pinkney, BS, RDMS, Senior Project Engineer, ECRI.
The deadline for registration and payment is Friday, November 10, 2006.
For more information and to register, visit
www.ecri.org/audioconferences