Feature: As HTM Evolves, Soft Skills Become More Important.

Advances in technology and the growing integration of medical equipment with information technology (IT) are changing the skill sets necessary for healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals to perform their jobs. As the field rapidly evolves on a technical level, HTM professionals also are expected to communicate and address the needs of individuals outside their departments—from patients, to vendors, to hospital administrators. HTM's expanding reach into other departments and disciplines brings with it a growing need for soft skills training. Unlike hard skills, which are specific, measurable qualities and abilities, soft skills refer to behaviors for effective and friendly interactions with other people. Examples of soft skills include: • Communication • Courtesy/customer focus • Flexibility/adaptability • Integrity • Interpersonal skills • Positive attitude/passion • Professionalism • Responsibility • Teamwork • Work ethic Without these skills, many in the field will feel underprepared when they are inevitably tasked with resolving workplace conflicts and developing professional relationships or as they transition into leadership positions. BI&T interviewed several members of the HTM community to learn more about the growing importance of soft skills training during various career stages, as well as how and where these techniques are being taught.