Leading the Way in Healthcare Technology Management

Pete Larose is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in healthcare technology management (HTM). He began his career as a dialysis technician, and then transitioned to a biomed technician, gradually advancing to roles as a manager and director. Currently, he holds the position of senior director.

 As the Senior Sr. Director of Healthcare Technology Management and Medical Device Security at Texas Health Resources, he has witnessed the transition of medical devices from standalone units to integrated networked systems within hospital EMRs. His expertise in troubleshooting network issues and ensuring device security has been crucial in navigating industry shifts. His strategic leadership drives innovation and enhances patient care and operational efficiency within Texas Health Resources’ healthcare technology infrastructure.

In an interview with Healthcare Business Review, Pete Larose shares their insights on recent developments in the healthcare technology and medical device space in the recent times.

HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL DEVICE SPACE OVER THE LAST 18 TO 24 MONTHS?

Recent developments in the healthcare technology and medical device space have prominently featured advancements in network devices and medical device security. There has been a notable emergence of AI as a significant trend.

For example, AI is increasingly utilized to manage lab equipment maintenance schedules, determining optimal times for preventive maintenance, and notifying relevant stakeholders, such as the HTM department or vendors. This integration of AI has demonstrated potential for streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency across the healthcare technology management landscape.

As for our team at Texas Health Resources, one of our biggest projects revolves around enhancing security for operational medical devices. This is a primary focus for us. To streamline the patching process, we’ve developed a subserver. 

This server enables centralized patch management, removing the need for manual installation by our technicians. We ensure that only approved patches, vetted by vendors, are uploaded to the subserver. During preventive maintenance, our technicians simply direct medical devices to the subserver for seamless patch downloads. This approach ensures efficient and secure patch management without complicating tasks for our team.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR YOUR PEERS IN THE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES SECTOR?

I advocate prioritizing patient and medical device safety above all else when exploring new avenues. It’s vital to design workflows that are intuitive and accessible for everyone involved. Invest upfront in simplifying processes for frontline staff to reduce unnecessary burdens. Proactively address tasks such as patch identification in advance to streamline operations.

Instead of fearing change, embrace it, as it is an unavoidable aspect of our field. Effective leadership entails facing change head-on and leading with confidence.

 HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE FUTURE OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES?

Looking ahead, the future of the biomedical engineering services landscape is poised for significant transformation. Two key shifts are anticipated in the HTM landscape.

Firstly, manufacturers are facing mounting pressure to bolster medical device security and facilitate agent deployment to address vulnerabilities. This trend is likely to be propelled by heightened FDA scrutiny aimed at ensuring device safety and patch accessibility.

The second shift is the increasing integration of AI in performing preventive maintenance on medical devices. Already gaining traction in preventive maintenance of lab equipment, it is projected to expand into radiology and beyond.

These advancements are primed to redefine the trajectory of biomedical engineering services, ushering in a new era of innovation and efficiency.