Focus on: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Department of Biomedical Instrumentation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Healthcare Technology Management
• Clinical Engineering

Background:

• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital utilizes a dual-pronged approach for technology management.
• Services are divided between the in-house Department of Biomedical Instrumentation (BMI) and Jefferson Biomedical Shared Services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the scope and structure of technology management services at a tertiary care facility.
• To highlight the comprehensive support provided by the Department of Biomedical Instrumentation (BMI).
• To outline the external services offered through Jefferson Biomedical Shared Services.

Main Methods:

• The Department of Biomedical Instrumentation (BMI) provides clinical engineering for a 717-bed tertiary care facility.
• BMI supports diverse medical equipment, including dialysis, anesthesia, lasers, and neonatal ECMO systems.
• IT support encompasses over 3,000 personal computers and peripherals, alongside specialized services like research and device evaluation.

Main Results:

• BMI offers extensive in-house support for critical patient care technology and IT infrastructure.
• Jefferson Biomedical Shared Services extends these capabilities to 11 external healthcare institutions.
• The shared services program generates annual revenues nearing $3,000,000.

Conclusions:

• The integrated model of in-house and shared services effectively manages complex healthcare technology.
• Biomedical Instrumentation (BMI) and its shared services program enhance operational efficiency and revenue.
• This structure provides robust technological support for both the primary hospital and external clients.