Real-Life Communication
Working in such a technologically advanced field as biomedical engineering
requires an understanding of medical equipment technology. But it also requires
an ability to communicate with health-care colleagues, both verbally and in
writing.
"You need to have really good communication aptitude," says
Roy Sharplin. He's a biomedical engineering technologist. "So, [be] able to
understand people, communicate clearly, discuss complex ideas. And be able
to make 'discovery conversations' work, where you're learning from a person
who's having trouble describing what they saw or what they experienced, so
that you can know what to do to troubleshoot the device that they're complaining
about.
"And also the reverse," adds Sharplin, "where you've now investigated
and figured out what was wrong and you need to provide some training-type
communication back."
Imaging equipment technician Holly Johnson agrees.
"They call us when the equipment isn't working, and this is often left unnoticed
until staff need it for patient care. The urgency and emotions involved when
needed equipment doesn't perform sometimes makes the communication between
the biomed technician and the staff difficult.
"You must be ready to
face a range of emotions and greet those emotions with sincerity, understanding,
and still manage to deliver whatever news needs to be broken. Great communication
is key and, without it, a biomed will not be a biomed for long."
You
are a biomedical engineering technician. You need to write a letter to the
manufacturer of an imaging device that is producing images that are blurry
and hard to interpret. How would you write a polite yet firm business letter
requesting a solution to the problem?
In your letter, you will need
to report to the manufacturer:
- The date you received the equipment
- That you are returning the equipment because you believe it is unsafe
or defective because the imaging is below expected quality
- That you and your colleagues at XYZ hospital have conducted field tests
and noted a problem with the equipment
In addition, politely request that the manufacturer inform you when
you can expect the repair or replacement of the device.