Yale physicians and clinical staff use medical devices manufactured by Covidien every day, but historically there have been few occasions for the two entities to interact. The Yale Clinical Immersion Program, which recently concluded its first year, has changed that landscape, establishing a mutually beneficial relationship that will ultimately benefit patients.
Led by the Center for Biomedical and Interventional Technology (CBIT), which was created to catalyze biomedical commercialization at Yale, the Clinical Immersion Program fosters collaboration between Yale and industry partners with the goal of improving patient care. Covidien, which was acquired by medical device giant Medtronic in early 2015, is the first industry participant in what is slated to be an expanded program.
Combining lectures by Yale School of Medicine faculty and Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) clinicians with operating room observations, the program provides Covidien with insight into how its products are used in the clinical environment. “It’s not just about product development,” said Peter Schulam, MD, chair of urology and co-founder of CBIT. “This is an opportunity to learn from one another.”
Participants from Yale and Covidien were equally enthusiastic about the program at the end of its inaugural year, which included four 12-week sessions and involved 34 Covidien engineers, marketing, regulatory, and financial staff members. “It is fascinating to hear from those who participate in healthcare from a different perspective,” said Max Laurans, MD, assistant professor of neurosurgery, who was a lecturer in the program. “Applying a new lens to complex problems we all face improves our ability to find creative solutions.”
That sentiment was shared by Covidien participants as well. “As a young engineer, I’m always trying to find ways to broaden my horizons,” said R&D product development engineer David Jermine. He found the hospital experience – which was lacking in his mechanical engineering background - to be especially valuable.
Jermine and his colleagues were exposed to 100 different cases that they otherwise wouldn’t have had an opportunity to see, according to Karen McNemar, Senior Director of Medtronic. One unexpected benefit of the program was the enhanced engagement it sparked from the nursing staff, providing a valuable outlet for their input. “This is the first time nursing has partnered with a vendor to improve workflow, relationships, and share ideas,” said Lori Ryder, RN, Patient Services Manager of Perioperative Services at YNHH.
The opportunities afforded by the program extend well beyond the lectures and operating room exposure. Covidien employees participated in CBIT’s Patient Experience Hackathon in March as participants, mentors and judges. Covidien staff members have also been guest lecturers in the School of Engineering and Applied Science course Medical Device Design and Innovation, participated in Grand Rounds, and served as mentors for CBIT projects.
Now that the program has completed its first full year, Yale and Covidien are planning improvements for next year that include a surgical observation program to provide easy access to Yale surgical cases. The bi-directional learning fostered by the program illustrates Dr. Schulam’s conviction that “Yale is not just a customer, but potentially a collaborator.”
For more information about the Clinical Immersion Program, please contact CBIT Engineering Director Jean Zheng at cbit@yale.edu.