Summary:

Using the tools discussed in this section, the technology manager can make a significant contribution toward the preparation and implementation of a strategic technology plan. To accomplish this, take the following steps:

• Determine the status of your hospital's technology planning and management program. Establish new goals (if appropriate) for the program.
• Establish with hospital administration your involvement in this program's integration into the existing hospital strategic planning process.
• Ensure that you understand your hospital's capital budget process and its methods for allocating monies for funding of medical technology.
• Assist in forming an MTAC, with representation from key clinical services, administration, and finance.
• Conduct technology audits by service line and/or by technology function. Compare your hospital's strengths and weaknesses with other similar hospitals.
• Determine Life-cycle costs of key selected devices from your medical equipment inventory.
• Adapt the process and forms described in this section to suit your hospital's environment.
• Be prepared to participate in different user task forces that focus on studying the value of individual technologies and report their findings back to the MTAC.