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How to Write a Procedure

MedWrench Guru Tony Cody, Technology Management Director at Banner Health, provides tips on how to write and craft a procedure as an HTM technician.

Wed Jul 29 2020By Tony Cody

Like most of us in the HTM career field, I am not a writer. It may be a little ironic since you are reading this on a blog post I wrote, but it is true nonetheless. As an HTM technician, the requirements to write are limited to well-crafted e-mails, technical scheduled maintenance procedure writing and detailed work order notes in your computerized maintenance management system. As a leader, you may be required to write a medical equipment management plan, employee reviews or departmental policies and standard operating procedures. As I am in the midst of crafting procedures, I wanted to pass along some of the things I am learning. 

  • Download and review all related system policies – It is important to use the same format, flow and definitions.
  • Create a list of definitions – Use the definitions from system policies and previous departmental SOPs to maintain consistency and save you time.
  • Do an outline – You learned this in high school, and it still applies.
  • Get feedback – Get feedback vertically and horizontally on your outline so that you can make changes before crafting a full version.
  • Be prepared for the red ink – After you craft you first version, you will likely get feedback multiple times and from many different sources. You may be working on revision 9 or 10 before everyone is satisfied.

The Technology Management department for the hospital system is writing 116 new SOPs with the goal of completing them by the end of the year. As I take a deep dive doing my part, I will continue to pass along more lessons learned from the writing process and the individual subject matters. Stay safe and thank you for what you do!

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