Biomed 101: MedWrench

Featured in the November 2017 issue of TechNation Magazine.

It is true  MedWrench could be the best tool in your toolbox! Multiple users have been quoted making that claim and it is no surprise to the thousands of HTM professionals who visit MedWrench.com on a regular basis.

But, you might ask, what is MedWrench?

MedWrench is a comprehensive database of knowledge for medical equipment.

Our goal is to provide the most complete and efficient professional networking experience, serving as the central meeting point for all conversations around current and late model products in the health care industry, says Marketing and Sales Manager Kaylee McCaffrey.

The 2017 MedWrench Media Guide provides even more details about the site.

MedWrench is a product focused support network where medical professionals, purchasing administrators, manufacturers, dealers and industry experts can provide opinions, share ideas, and gather relevant information on medical technology and equipment, according to the media guide.

MedWrench fosters guided dialogue with a targeted audience around critical medical equipment issues and provides the quickest way to find medical technology and equipment information  from solving problems to purchasing  all in one place.

In other words, it is a community where professionals from throughout the industry can come together to share ideas, solutions and troubleshoot problems for the benefit of everyone.

Perhaps the best part for HTM professionals is that MedWrench is free to join and can be customized to provide tailored updates and information about ones area of work. For example, biomeds who work on anesthesia machines can limit emails and notices to anesthesia issues.

When browsing MedWrench you may see the Add to My Bench buttons, McCaffrey says. Clicking these buttons will bookmark whichever equipment, category or manufacturer you choose. This allows you to receive updates on articles and news feeds and allows you to join any related discussions.

MedWrench users also benefit from the online Bulletin Board feature. This is a resource where medical service professionals can find all the information needed to help them be more successful. Some of the features of the Bulletin Board are the weekly MedWrench blog, continuing education information, upcoming expos and events and a career section where users can review and submit applications to open jobs.

If this all sounds great to you, know that you are not alone. MedWrench users always have great things to say about the website.

MedWrench is my prime source for assistance in troubleshooting many devices. They have a wealth of information and their website is very easy to use, HTM educator Jewel C. Newell says.

As all of us biomeds are aware that you never know what resource we might have to use next to find a solution to a problem. I have found MedWrench to be a great resource at many different levels from tracking recalls, talking amongst other technicians, and finding information on various pieces of equipment. MedWrench is just a good all-around resource for what we do, says Adam Colvin, Rockingham Memorial Hospital.

So, keep reading to find out how to sign up and put MedWrench to work for you!

Step 1: Visit MedWrench.com and Sign-In

Sign-in to MedWrench or Register if you are a new user. Manage your account and profile settings anytime by clicking on About Me (from the person icon) then Edit Public Profile. From here you can include a description about yourself, update your display name and add a forum signature.

Step 2: Search

Find the product you are looking for by using the search bar. Once you have found the product you are interested in you can read description, features, and specifications. Other resources to be found on product pages are the ability to request a quote or buy now. You can sometimes find equipment manuals and videos located on the product page. The add to my bench option subscribes you to the product and will give you instant access to discussions, news and additional resources surrounding the equipment page.

Step 3: Use a Social Forum

Each product on MedWrench has a social forum area where youll sections to:

• Ask a Question: if you have a question regarding a piece of equipment you currently use, or maybe about a product you plan on purchasing post it on MedWrench to get answers from colleagues, industry experts, manufacturers, etc. MedWrench administrators will assist in getting answers from industry experts.
• Answer a Question: If you know the answer to a question, chime in and share your knowledge with the community. Each answer will position yourself or your business as a leader and expert in your field.
• Read News: Catch up on product specific press releases and recent news post.
• Share Preventative Maintenance: Preventative Maintenance tips and tricks with other ??users are posted.
• Watch Videos: A video pertaining to a specific piece of equipment.

Step 4: Add to My Bench/Manage My Bench

Now that you have checked out products that you are interested in, or currently use, you may have noticed each product has a Add to Bench button. Clicking this button will bookmark that piece of equipment which will send an updated feed to your My Bench page where you can view the most recent activity (rather than having to re-search for a product) you can also choose to be emailed when updates occur, such as a new video post, or maybe an answer has been provided to a question you asked.

When you first sign in to MedWrench, you will have access to your My Bench activity page and you can also access it anytime by clicking on My Bench from the person icon (top right). In this area you will see a list of items you have bookmarked from the site. Your bench page will have a subscriptions gear icon where you can search from only the items on your bench, turn email notifications on/off, and easily manage the equipment you are interested in.

Step 5: Access the Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board is a growing resource on MedWrench where you can find our weekly blog, expos and events, continuing education, and career opportunities.

Step 6: Buy Now. Buy Now is a new resource on MedWrench

You now have access to purchase parts and equipment from reputable vendors. You can easily search through the listings, read the description and shipping information, and instantly add to your cart. All funds are securely transferred via PayPal between buyer and seller.

For more information or questions about using the MedWrench website, call 866-989-7057 or send an email to support@medwrench.com.