To Provide a More Focused Voice...AAMI Launches New Technology Management Council
The AAMI Board of Directors has approved the creation of a new Technology Management Council to better serve the interests of biomedical equipment technicians, clinical engineers, and others who provide management and support services related to medical technology.
Earlier this year, AAMI conducted a study of its technology management members to determine their perceptions about AAMI in general, and current and potential ways that technology managers could best interact with AAMI, other members, and the healthcare community (the results of this study are posted at www.aami.org/resources/BMET/news.html).
As a result of the study and the perceptions of AAMI staff and leadership that new services were needed to be responsive to the needs of technology managers, a 15-member BMET Task Force was created to review the study results and develop recommendations on existing and new services.
The BMET Task Force has completed its work and has made a number of recommendations, including a recommendation for the creation of a new Council and Technical Management Executive Committee that will provide a more focused voice for technology managers.
The Council and its Executive Committee would work to increase the recognition of technology managers and their important role in health care, serve as a focal point for formulating AAMI policies and programs for technology managers, assist staff and the AAMI Board with the development of strategic and business plans, and work to optimize communications between this segment of the membership and other members of the health care community.
While technology managers now serve on a number of committees, their viewpoints are focused on specific programs. By contrast, the Council would provide the clear focus necessary to enhance the recognition and services that technology managers need and deserve.
“This is a great step forward, and will serve as an important avenue to advance the interests of BMETs and clinical engineers,” said Ray Laxton, director of clinical engineering at Clarian Health Partners/ARAMARK CTS, and a member of the BMET Task Force.
The Council will be formed in the next few months, and will meet in early 2004. The Executive Committee will consist of five AAMI members. The Council will consist of up to 50 members from all categories of the AAMI membership: individual, institutional, corporate, local and state biomedical organization, and student.
The BMET Task Force and AAMI staff have outlined a number of benefits to better serve this segment of the membership, including advocacy efforts to increase recognition and support; new publications and educational activities; links with local biomedical societies; and benchmarking on career issues.
For questions or comments about this plan, contact Steve Campbell at scampbell@aami.org.
Source: AAMI News: December 2003, Vol. 38, No. 11