ASC Management
Selecting New ASC Technology
You'll be able to make better choices by using these criteria.

BY MYRIAM ASSOULINE, B.SC.N., M.H.A.

It's certain that during the lifetime of your ASC, you're going to select and purchase different types of technologies for use in your facility. They will be either administrative, such as patient-scheduling software, or clinical, such as a major piece of medical equipment.

You need to take a number of specific considerations into account when selecting any new technology. In this month's article, I'll provide some basic criteria you can use to assess the value any new technology can bring to your facility.

MAKE A CHECKLIST

In addition to assessing value to your facility, you also need to consider several logistical issues before purchasing new technology. Key points regarding both aspects of your decision:

Use/purpose. Write down in detail what functions you need the technology to perform. The more specific you are, the less likely someone will be able to sell you what they think you require. This initial step must be completed prior to evaluating what technology is available in the marketplace. By conducting this assessment, you'll be able to focus on your facility's real needs.

Duration. Make an estimate of the useful life of the technology. Some technologies change rapidly and become obsolete. For these, inquire about opportunities for upgrades. With technologies that rapidly continue to improve and evolve, look into the possibility of leasing rather than purchasing.

Financial. Decide whether you're going to buy or lease the equipment. If purchase of the new technology requires a large investment, it's probably to your benefit to lease or finance so as not to tie up your working capital.

Space/location. Determine ahead of time how much space the technology will occupy and where it should be optimally located. You want the technology in a place that facilitates the organization of labor and/or enhances patient flow.

Operating factors. Consider that some technologies require specific temperature environments, electrical systems, or specific conditions in order to operate. For example, certain software technologies may require that you also purchase a server. Factor these additional costs into your acquisition cost to accurately portray the total cost of purchasing the technology.

Technical help. Inquire about what resources are available if you experience technical problems. Are they available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week? If not, are they located in the same time zone? How quickly can a technician get to you? Do these technicians have all the necessary parts to fix any problem? Basically, you want to make sure that you can have a short recovery time, as a delay in correcting a technical problem can translate to a significant loss of revenue. Moreover, don't forget to ask about warranties.

Efficiency. Evaluate the technology's strengths and weaknesses. The best way to do this is by going to a site where the technology is being used and observing the technology in operation. Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is the best way to discover whether this technology will be of value in your facility.

The people who are using the technology daily can tell you firsthand what they like and don't like about it. Don't just rely on written testimonials. Those who have written them could have had incentives to do so.

Maintenance. Find out what regular maintenance procedures are required to keep the technology in top condition. Learn who should be responsible for doing this maintenance. Find out if service contracts are available.

Quality control. Assess what quality control measures are in place for this technology. If calibration is involved, inquire who should do it and how often.

Training. Make sure that staff training is included and adequate.

TAKE TIME TO DECIDE

You must remember not to be in a hurry when making a decision regarding acquiring new technology. The selection decision is a process. Your final choice will be an investment that you'll have to live with, probably for a long time.

Myriam Assouline, B.Sc.N., M.H.A., is a healthcare consultant. You can e-mail her at massouline@aol.com.