CMBEC33 Continuing Education Courses

Free Admission!

Show Me the Evidence: Develop Your Capacity to Make Informed Health Decisions

Sponsored by CADTH

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 – Full-day course (8:30 - 16:30)

To sign-up for this free course please email Ann Vosilla at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Participants will increase their understanding of Health Technology Assessment and its appropriate use, and develop capacity to seek out and use Health Technology Assessment to inform health decisions. Through presentation and active group interaction, participants will learn:

  • About resources available to provide health technology assessments;
  • Why, when and how to seek evidence (library search included);
  • How to review evidence using examples of interest to CMBES members and how to consider sometimes controversial evidence;
  • How to make decisions when the evidence is sparse, demand is high, and funds are low;
  • How to appropriately formulate research questions; and,
  • Real-world opportunity to submit questions for evidence as relevant to your practice within Canada during the workshop.

Instructor bios:

Ann Vosilla is a Registered Nurse with a specialty in Psychiatry. She also holds an Advanced Specialty Certificate in Forensic Science Technology, Forensic Crime Studies from BCIT. Her focus over past years has been in the private sector with respect to pharmacovigilance, risk management and patient safety. Ann currently is the Liaison Officer for BC with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health and is based in Vanc ouver. Ann engages health care professionals regarding the use of evidence to support health care decisions.

Donna Champagne is a Registered Nurse who practiced in Manitoba throughout a full and rich career. Drawing upon years of experience in working with RHAs, hospitals and long term care within the provincial health and community health systems, Donna is most interested in Population Health and the sustainability of our health care system. To ensure optimum practice in these areas, as the CADTH Liaison Officer for Manitoba, Donna supports evidence-based decision making, connects relevant partners and resources and delivers educational workshops. Donna is happy to connect with any health professionals in the province who seek to use health technologies appropriately.

Niki Baumann works for Fraser Health Library Services, a division of Fraser Health's Department of Evaluation and Research Services. She has a Masters of Library and Information Studies, and a BSc in Cell Biology and Genetics, both from UBC. Niki often teaches healthcare professionals how to search biomedical databases such as Medline and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews.

 

Medical Device Safety: FMEA and Root Cause Analysis

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 – Half-day course (8:30 -12:00)

Stewardship of medical device safety is one of the most important roles for the biomedical engineering professional. Part of this effort includes the careful analysis of medical device-related incidents to uncover why problems happen and to prevent similar problems from happening in the future. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis are two important methods used to do this. This course will provide an overview of key medical device safety concerns with a focus on ECRI Institute’s list of Top Ten Health Technology Hazards. It will then review ECRI Institute’s forty years of experience with medical device incident investigation and methodologies used for FMEA and Root Cause Analysis. The FMEA and Root Cause Analysis discussion will include specific case studies from ECRI Institute’s investigations. This course will wrap up with an exercise to conduct an FMEA on a hypothetical incident involving the death of a ventilator-dependant ICU patient.

Instructor bio:

Barbara Majchrowski is part of ECRI Institute’s Health Devices Group whose medical device evaluation program is referred to by the New York Times as the “country’s most respected laboratory for testing of medical products.” The Health Devices Group produces the internationally recognized Health Devices journal, which is known for its health technology research, comparative evaluations of medical technology, and technical guidance on the safety, pre-purchase selecti on, and management of medical technology. In addition, Barbara investigates medical device incidents as part of the Accident and Forensic Investigation Group, and participates in various consulting projects.

 

Convergence of IT and Medical Devices

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 – Half-day Course (13:00 - 16:30)

Medical devices and information technology are rapidly converging to the point where it will be difficult to tell the difference between a medical device and a computer system. This convergence is generating dramatic changes for the biomedical engineering profession. This course will review key issues surrounding the convergence of medical devices and information technology and its impact on the biomedical engineering and information technology professions. It is designed to help biomedical engineering professionals prepare for the changes happening now and where the profession is moving towards over the next five years and beyond.

Topics to be covered include:

 

  • A snapshot of 2015 and beyond – a look at how converging technologies will affect the hospital of the future;
  • The biomedical engineer’s job description in 2015 as influenced by the convergence of medical devices and information technology;
  • A discussion of the skill sets required for the biomedical engineering professional in 2015;
  • Planning, purchasing, and support of IT-based medical technologies: a new paradigm for biomedical engineering;
  • Upcoming IT and networking-based standards and the new risk management practices they will dictate for biomedical engineering;
  • Consolidation of IT and biomedical engineering help desk services;
  • Management of patches, upgrades, safety alerts, and security concerns for IT- based medical technologies; and,
  • The 10-step guide for the biomedical engineering professional’s collaboration with IT.

 

 

Instructor bio:

Barbara Majchrowski is part of ECRI Institute’s Health Devices Group whose medical device evaluation program is referred to by the New York Times as the “country’s most respected laboratory for testing of medical products.” The Health Devices Group produces the internationally recognized Health Devices journal, which is known for its health technology research, comparative evaluations of medical technology, and technical guidance on the safety, pre-purchase selection, and management of medical technology. In addition, Barbara investigates medical device incidents as part of the Accident and Forensic Investigation Group, and participates in various consulting projects.

 

Testing and Calibrating Medical Devices: The Standards are not the way they were! – CANCELLED

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 – Half-day course (8:30 – 12:00)

Workshop will cover:

  • Testing and calibrating the newer ESU devices on the market;
  • Changes in the testing processes in North American hospitals because of staffing changes; and,
  • Changes in standards.

Instructor bios:

Jerry Bruce, Medset Specialties

Michael Broissoit, CSA International

 

Certify YOUR Medical Device: Pre-Market Approval Requirement for Class III and IV Devices – CANCELLED

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 – Half-day course (8:30-12:00)

Attention medical device researchers, designers, engineers and manufacturers. If you are designing a medical device, or interested in taking your research to the next level, this course is the course for you. Health Canada’s Medical Devices Bureau, responsible for the premarket approval of medical devices in Canada, will be providing this in-depth workshop to facilitate your approval for licensing and Investigational Testing of Class III and IV medical devices.

You will be briefed on pre-market application requirement for general use medical devices, devices manufactured solely for research, devices developed in-hospital for in hospital use or research, and drug-device and biologic-device combination products.

Instructor bio:

The Medical Devices Bureau of the Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) is the national authority that mon itors and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and quality of diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices in Canada.

Human Factors Assessment: Your Tool to Improve Patient Safety

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 – Half-day (13:30 – 17:00)

University Health Networks’ Healthcare Human Factors Group is offering this half-day workshop to raise awareness of the role of human factors in improving patient safety. This 4-hour interactive and case-based workshop will identify human factors for the health care context. Cognitive biases will tackle human limitations, while design and evaluation methods will ensure that procurement is focused on a user-centered process. This course is a must see to empower you to impact patient safety and help make health care safer.

Instructor bio:

Rachel White is a Human Factors Specialist with the Healthcare Human Factors Group at the University Health Network in Toronto. Rachel is passionate about making healthcare safer for patients by making environments, processes and technologies more intuitive for clinicians. She has a keen interest in integrating human factors principles into medication safety initiatives, especially those relating to chemotherapy. Through her research on independent double checking of high-risk clinical procedures, and the study Improving the Safety of Ambulatory IV Chemotherapy in Canada, she has gained a strong understanding and respect for the role that clinicians play in patient care. A graduate of Carleton University in Ottawa, Rachel received an MA in Psychology, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction, from the Human-Oriented Technology Lab (HOTLab).

Sonia Pinkney is a Human Factors Analyst with the Healthcare Human Factors Group at the University Health Network. She is a Professional Engineer who is committed to ensuring that the design of technology and associated work processes in health care are appropriate, intuitive and safe. Sonia has over 10 years experience working on unique health care and technology-related projects around the world, including Brazil, Kosovo, South Africa, UK and USA. Her current focus is on using user-centred methods to improve the safety of intravenous infusions.

 

Laser Fundamentals

Thursday, June 17, 2010 – Full-day course (8:30 – 17:00)

This workshop will provide a general overview of basic laser and optics concepts. The fundamentals of laser operation, laser terminology and laser beam properties will be discussed, along with common types of lasers.

The workshop will also cover the biological effects of laser energy along with CW, pulsed, or repetitively pulsed modes. Exp osure limits will be introduced and the laser hazard classification concept will be discussed. An overview of laser accidents will also be presented.

The workshop concludes with a review of engineering, administrative and procedural controls needed for safe laser operation, with an emphasis on the role of the LSO, training, area warning signs, eyewear, beam stops, barriers and screens, and interlocks.

Instructor bio:

Murray Dore is a Biomedical Engineering Technologist with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and is their health region’s Laser Safety Officer.

 

New Equipment: You know what you want, now how do you get there?

Thursday, June 17, 2010 – Half-day course (8:30 -12:00)

In an environment of fewer resources, reduced budgets and increasingly complex product solutions, you often know what you want for your organizations and how it should look but not know how to get there. Often new medical technology implementations require more than just Clinical Engineering such as information technology, facilities, risk management, clinical, planning, and workflow resources.

This workshop will show you how to navigate through the selection and implementation process of new technology so you can arrive at your destination quickly, safely, and with as little stress on your organization as possible. Through the use of Project Management methodology, we will provide you with real-life examples and industry experience, and the tools you need to create a map while at the same time increasing the profile, value, and influence that Clinical Engineering has on patient care.

Learning Objectives:

  • The importance of understanding your organization’s procurement process and how it differs depending on the type of equipment you are planning for;
  • How to choose the right resources and tools to complete your journey;
  • How to properly identify and delegate roles and responsibilities and how to ensure accountability; and,
  • How to identify and steer clear of common pitfalls.

Instructor bios:

Dawn Welch, PMP, is a Project Manager for Infusion Systems – Baxter International. Dawn has over 15 years of industry experience, including GE Capital IT Solutions and Bayer. In her nine years at Baxter she has worked in Supply Chain, Materials Management and in 2005 became the Project Manager for Baxter Canada. Dawn is providing her PM expertise on Canadian and global teams developing and implementing new processes and products. She continues to demonstrate her professionalism through ongoing studies and completion of her PMP certification.

Timothy J. Zakutney, MHSc, PEng, CCE – An accomplished director, manager, and consultant for both clinical and biomedical engineering, Timothy has an extensive background in information and medical device technology and its application in research and clinical settings. Currently, Timothy is Manager of Biomedical Engineering at the world renowned University of Ottawa Heart Institute, providing leadership and guidance surrounding medical and biomedical technology issues for health care. He has served as Director and Manager of Biomedical Engineering teams at two major Canadian academic hospitals and, as an established system development consultant, has developed and implemented software systems for several university and health care research programs. He is a Professional Engineer with a specialty in Systems Design from the University of Waterloo along with a Masters in Heath Science in Clinical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Understanding Medical Technology from a Physiologic Perspective

Thursday, June 17, 2010 – Half-day course (13:30-17:00)

Biomedical Engineers and Technicians play critical roles as trusted advisors and essential liaisons between clinical practice and the acquisition, implementation and support of medical technology. In today’s ever changing health care system, the “standard of care” in medical practice evolves as quickly as manufacturers are introducing new technologies. In order to ensure that clinicians are appropriately equipped to meet these standards, both now and in the future, Biomedical Engineers and Technicians must possess a clear understanding of medical technology from physiologic, application and workflow perspectives. This half-day workshop will break down the technical requirements that clinicians request into the basic physiologic parameters that they need for patient monitoring. In addition, participants will develop their knowledge and understanding of critical physiologic parameters for current and forthcoming clinical practices, offering them a solid framework in which to enhance patient care through technology.

Instructor bios:

Kristy Molnar and Kyle Eckhardt are Senior Instructors with Critical Care Consultants, established in 1985 as an independent firm addressing the continuing education needs of Critical Care Nurses across Canada. Critical Care Consultants is one of the initial and remains the premier continuing education company, addressing the clinical and technological needs of Canadian practitioners by practicing Canadian educators.

 

Rechargeable Battery Management in Health Care

Friday, June 18, 2010 – Half-day course (8:30 – 12:00)

This workshop is intended for medical engineering professionals in charge of hospital equipment management and maintenance. It will provide the candidate with solid basic knowledge about rechargeable batteries and managing a fleet of batteries in the context of a hospital. The workshop will also cover all aspects of a rechargeable battery, from battery qualification to maintenance to disposal.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the characteristics of rechargeable batteries commonly used in the medical field;
  • Develop testing plans for medical device batteries based on their specifications;
  • Evaluate the performance of batteries in simulated real-life conditions and assess their ability to power the intended equipment;
  • Recognize current issues and future trends in battery technology; and,
  • Implement battery management programs at the hospital level.

Instructor bios:

Derek McGowan is the Canadian Territory Sales Manager for Cadex Electronics Inc. and has been with the company for the past five and half years. He works first-hand with bio-medical personnel in the health care industry to help implement effective Battery Maintenance programs. These programs ensure all batteries meet the highest standards when needed to power important medical equipment. Derek has been involved in and taught similar courses to bio-medical engineers in both Canada and the U.S.

Jerry Bruce, Medset Specialties

Gary Kwok, Applications Engineer, Cadex Electronics

 

Radiation Technology, Planning and Safety

Friday, June 18, 2010 – Half-day course (8:30 – 12:00)

A focused half-day workshop on design, performance optimization and safety of radiographic facilities. Dan Hanson, active in the area of Radiographic and Radiation Safety for more than 30 years will focus on image analysis, and safety codes while imparting radiation and cancer fundamentals and image processing. The emphasis on image analysis will address the seeing process, the basic physiology of seeing, as well as the structure of medical images and problems associated with “seeing” in radiology. Elements of all Safety Codes will be covered with emphasis on SC 35, safety procedures for the installation, use and control of x-ray equipment in large medical radiological facilities. This workshop is a tremendous opportunity to expand one’s knowledge in the field of radiology and use it to promote the advancement of technology, safety and patient care in medical facilities.

Instructor bio:

Dan Hanson is an appointed Radiation Surveyor by the Radiation Protection Branch of the B.C. Center for Disease Control, a certified Radiation Shielding Designer, an Inspector for Medical Facilities, and Radiation Surveyor for all health care related uses of Ionizing Radiation and a respected teacher of the subject.

 

Hospital Network and Information Systems

Friday, June 18, 2010 – Half-day course (13:30-17:00)

This workshop will cover:

  • Trends in networking technology;
  • Current and future best practices and directions for networking;
  • Basics on wired and wireless infrastructure;
  • HIS Integration and why networks play a large roll; and,
  • An introduction to networking concepts and hands configuration.

Instructor bio:

Mike Beck is an IT Specialist and Project Manager with Drager Medical focused on the facilitating information transfer using both wireless and wired systems. Mike has extensive experience in planning and execution of Hospital Information System network upgrades and information sharing across hospital departments.