Building systems, medical equipment and information technology (IT) devices all have unique operational needs, but basic vendor testing does not address the configurations required to meet the needs of healthcare technology systems, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.

Defining the operational configurations, functional testing parameters and commissioning requirements for these diverse technologies and complex integrations is required, the article said.

Most healthcare technologies have owner-defined operational configurations and integrations that bridge multiple systems. 

Many are often mistakenly assumed to be plug-and-play which may create serious issues.

Traditional commissioning doesn't fully address healthcare technology. Commissioning is focused only on contractor-furnished items and typically ignores the necessary integrations with owner-furnished medical technologies and the clinical requirements necessary for full functionality to meet staff needs and expectations, the article said.

Medical technology vendors don't address these needs. The vendor functional testing requirements do not address operational intent.

Read the article.