Biomedical repair pros say OEMs are slowing their work

"Most of the BMETs surveyed (83 percent) said delays in receiving parts, service keys, manuals, and other necessary repair materials "somewhat frequently" or "most of the time" increased equipment downtime. The number is similarly high (70 percent) for those who said diagnostic tool restrictions "commonly" delayed prompt patient care."

"According to the study, the most common repair restrictions that BMETs encounter are OEMs' refusal to provide passwords or service keys needed to read diagnostic information, and limiting access to and overcharging for training courses they require BMETs to pass before getting access to certain info and gear."

"Every hospital has a mix of all three -- they have OEM contracts, they have in-house people, and they have certain things they work with independent service organizations [ISOs] on. The whole mix of health technology management is complex and involves a range of routine maintenance, serious device failures, and in-depth repairs, IT support, and everything in between."

A survey of biomedical equipment technicians reveals significant frustration with manufacturers restricting access to repair materials and diagnostic tools. Eighty-three percent of technicians report that delays in receiving parts, service keys, and manuals frequently increase equipment downtime. Seventy percent cite diagnostic tool restrictions as commonly delaying patient care. Manufacturers restrict repairs by withholding passwords and service keys needed for diagnostics and by limiting access to required training courses. Hospitals typically use a combination of manufacturer contracts, in-house technicians, and independent service organizations for equipment maintenance. Relying solely on manufacturers for repairs is problematic due to staffing shortages and manufacturers failing to meet contractual timelines.

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