By K. Richard Douglas
Not every HTM department covers general biomed. There are specialty teams within the profession that focus on various subspecialties.
These specialty teams can usually only be created within larger health systems that have large inventories of certain medical instruments. Scopes are an example of an instrument used in great frequency that require regular maintenance and sterilization.
The HTM Service Center at Baylor Scott & White is a specialty team that addresses the special requirements of scopes in the larger health system.
“The department consists of 11 technicians. There are five flexible endoscope repair techs, two rigid endoscope repair techs and four instrument sharpening techs. The service center supports the service and maintenance of the entire Baylor Scott and White Health system,” says Carol L. Wyatt, MPA, CBET CHTM, director of SCS at Baylor Scott and White Health in Dallas, Texas.
Carlos Puerta manages the group.
“First, we’ve got a diverse group of technicians, each of which has unique strengths. It’s like having a bunch of specialists in the squad. Some of these technicians are wizards in dealing with small-diameter endoscopes. You know, those tiny cameras that need some extra care. They’ve got the skills and expertise to handle those delicate repairs. On the other hand, we’ve got techs who are experts in handling the larger endoscopes. These are the big guns, and they know how to fix them correctly,” Wyatt says.
Wyatt adds that the team also has a couple of mobile staff who are on the road.
“They have this excellent mobile sharpening setup in a truck or lab and travel to different BSW locations. They’re like the pit crew of endoscope maintenance, making sure everything is sharp and ready to roll. Meanwhile, the other two technicians stick to one specific facility. They’ve got their hands full there, but it allows them to tackle a broader range of repairs right at the home base,” Wyatt says.
Wyatt says that it’s all about utilizing each team member’s strengths.
“We make sure that each technician is doing what they’re best at, whether it’s handling the small stuff, the big stuff, or keeping those tools razor-sharp. It’s like a well-orchestrated team, and that’s how we keep everything running smoothly,” she says.
The HTM Service Center supports more than 5,000 scopes and thousands of instruments at all BSW hospitals and many of the health system’s clinics.
Responding to Special Needs
Even on a specialty team, there can be special projects. Some projects are tackled to make life easier for clinicians and others are targeted at utilizing the team’s specialized knowledge to keep devices fully functional.
“We’ve started using lasers to etch the instruments with whatever info the departments need. Why’s that a big deal? It means you can still know which instrument is which without the hassle of tape. It’s all about making life easier for the folks using these instruments day in and day out,” Wyatt says.
She says that on the endoscope side, it’s all about keeping those precious tools in great shape and making them last longer.
“Our team has some real experts who know these endoscopes inside and out. We’ve teamed up with department leaders to figure out how to prevent damage and extend the life of these instruments,” Wyatt says.
She says that it’s really all thanks to the fantastic repair technicians.
“They’ve got a boatload of knowledge and are fearless in putting in that extra effort to ensure our customers are happy. They’re the unsung heroes who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. In a nutshell, we’re all about making life easier for the folks using these instruments and endoscopes and ensuring they’re in top-notch condition. We’re here to serve you and keep things working like a charm,” Wyatt adds.
The team has also proven its value under more pressing circumstances. Their quick actions have even ascertained when a procedure did not have to be delayed to another day.
“There was a situation at a facility where the surgical team was all set for a procedure. Everything was scheduled, everyone was prepped, and the room was set. But here’s the twist – they ran into a hiccup with their trusty endoscope. And to make matters worse, they didn’t have any spare scopes on hand. You could imagine the collective ‘uh-oh’ that must’ve gone through the team,” Wyatt says.
The clinicians knew exactly who to call.
“Our Service Center was their go-to. Without hesitation, they reached out to us, and that’s when things started moving. Our team didn’t waste a moment. They were already on the road early in the morning, heading to the surgical team’s location. The clock was ticking, and time was of the essence. They arrived, identified the issue, and didn’t waste a second. With the problematic endoscope in hand, they returned to the service center,” Wyatt says.
She says that the skilled technicians got right to work.
“They knew the clock was ticking, and a surgical team was counting on them. They performed the necessary repairs, leaving no room for errors. It was a race against time, and they were determined to win. With the freshly repaired endoscope, our team hustled back to the surgical location, ensuring it was back in the surgeon’s hands just in time for the procedure,” Wyatt adds.
She says that the surgical team breathed a sigh of relief when they saw our technician with the repaired endoscope. They knew they could continue the procedure without any issues.
“The procedure went off without a hitch. It’s one of those moments when you realize the importance of a well-prepared and responsive service center. We came through when it counted most, keeping things running smoothly in the hospital and ensuring patient care wasn’t compromised. It’s a testament to our dedication and commitment to helping our health care partners in their time of need,” Wyatt says.
Away from the workplace, Wyatt says that, when possible, the team attends HTMA-NTX meetings in North Texas.
In a large health care system, a specialized team can provide a dedicated service to ascertain that devices are providing optimum performance. That is the HTM Service Center, a team of experts with the skills to supplement HTM’s more general duties and help clinicians best serve patients.
