TRIMEDX Chief Operating Officer Kristi McDermott wrote an article for DOTmed HealthCare Business News describing how healthcare technology management will be transformed by AI, automation, and deep digital integration in 2026. In the article, she shares how successful health systems will embrace data-driven innovation to deliver reliable and cost-effective patient care in the new year.
Financial pressure, regulatory uncertainty, and rapid technological evolution are reshaping the healthcare landscape—and with them, the role of healthcare technology management (HTM). In 2026, success will hinge on more than equipment maintenance. HTM must become a strategic driver of innovation and resilience.
Artificial intelligence, automation, and deep digital integration will transform how health systems manage devices, safeguard operations, and strengthen workforce stability. Leaders who position HTM as a core partner in operational and financial planning will unlock measurable impact across their organizations.
AI will become the backbone of operational efficiency and device reliability
As health systems grapple with slim margins, regulatory turbulence, and capital constraints, artificial intelligence is emerging as a transformative force. Beyond incremental improvements, AI promises to redefine how organizations contain costs, generate revenue, and sustain resilience—potentially unlocking up to $360 billion in savings across the healthcare industry.
Strategic deployment is key. Predictive failure detection embedded in workflows can virtually eliminate unplanned downtime, safeguarding patient satisfaction and revenue streams. AI-driven automation will streamline documentation, vendor coordination, and administrative tasks, freeing biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) to focus on high-value initiatives. By integrating RTLS data, device telemetry, and utilization metrics, health systems can optimize asset management, reduce unnecessary purchases, and maximize ROI. Virtual assistants and real-time tech support will further empower technicians, improving response times and device availability.
As adoption accelerates, leaders must ensure robust data governance and cybersecurity protections, while regulators establish clear standards for transparency and responsible use.
HTM is becoming a cornerstone of organizational strategy
As regulatory uncertainty and policy shifts dominate the strategic agenda for U.S. healthcare leaders, health systems face mounting pressure to adapt quickly. This challenge is compounded by persistent supply chain volatility and shortages, which have exposed vulnerabilities in sourcing critical medical equipment and parts. Tariffs, fluctuating reimbursement models, and global disruptions have forced organizations to rethink their approach to resource management.
In this environment, HTM’s influence now extends far beyond maintenance. It now plays a pivotal role in capital planning and risk mitigation. By leveraging AI-driven forecasting and analytics, HTM teams can anticipate demand, identify alternative suppliers, and build contingency plans that safeguard continuity of care. Strong partnerships with manufacturers and distributors, combined with data-driven decision-making, will enable health systems to secure essential assets despite market instability. This proactive stance ensures operational efficiency and the ability to deliver high-quality care in the face of ongoing uncertainty.
Increasingly, HTM must also collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure that technology investments not only support clinical excellence but also protect against growing cyberthreats, reinforcing resilience across the health system.
Cybersecurity will remain a defining priority for HTM in 2026
As software-defined and AI-enabled devices grow, the attack surface in health care expands dramatically.
Protecting this ecosystem demands more than reactive measures—it requires dynamic, intelligence-driven strategies. Risk scoring frameworks will help identify and prioritize vulnerable assets, while machine learning-based anomaly detection will uncover threats before they escalate.
HTM must also collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to reinforce resilience across the health system. Health systems that invest in HTM teams with specialized cybersecurity expertise will be best positioned to safeguard patient data and maintain compliance throughout the new year.
Regulatory bodies should also consider stronger requirements for OEMs to deliver timely patches for both new and legacy devices. These guardrails will be critical to ensure every asset remains secure in this evolving threat environment.
Workforce shortages will accelerate the shift toward cross-training and tech-enabled support
The HTM industry is entering a critical inflection point. A wave of retirements among seasoned BMETs—many over 55—combined with limited training pipelines and increasingly complex devices will create a severe talent gap. With only about 400 new BMETs graduating annually, far fewer than the thousands needed, health systems must rethink workforce strategies.
Cross-training will become essential, equipping HTM professionals with hybrid skills in IT, cybersecurity, and analytics to manage interconnected ecosystems. Advanced tools including automated documentation, smart work order prioritization, and AI-driven task guidance will empower technicians to focus on high-value work and accelerate learning. By partnering with organizations that provide cutting-edge training and technology, health systems can attract talent, retain expertise, and build a resilient workforce for the future.
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The health systems that thrive in 2026 will be those that treat HTM as a strategic enabler rather than a behind-the-scenes function. By embedding AI and advanced analytics into every layer of device management—from security to predictive maintenance—organizations can reduce downtime, safeguard care delivery, and unlock new efficiencies.
Success will also hinge on building adaptable teams. Cross-disciplinary training and tech-enabled workflows will help bridge talent gaps and ensure staff can manage increasingly complex, interconnected ecosystems. In a landscape defined by rapid change, the mandate is clear: leverage data, embrace innovation, and prioritize proactive strategies. Health systems that act now will set the standard for reliability, fiscal strength, and patient-centered care for years to come.