A 2023 To-Do List for the Orthopedic Industry

It’s been a few years since I last fashioned a “to-do” list for the orthopedic industry—the factors or trends I thought were most in need of additional attention or those that would be a focus in the coming year. In 2019 (when I did my last list), those items included the device tax, MDR, bundled payments, and value-based healthcare. The device tax is now thankfully in the rear view mirror, MDR is still a concern for many, and bundled payments and value-based care have been discussed further but have seemingly stalled in terms of implementation.

This year, none of those items made my list. While MDR is still a relevant concern for many, there are numerous other factors on which I wanted to focus. See how many you agree should be on your own list and see which ones I valued too high a priority.

Supply Chain & Sourcing Strategy: Every single manufacturer has dealt with supply chain issues. Depending on where and what you are sourcing, they may have been more or less severe for you. It could have even varied based on the project or type of device being developed. If it was your Tyvek packaging, there was likely little you could do to address the issue.

The pandemic and subsequent supply chain challenges have left companies reevaluating their supporting infrastructure. They are not only looking at what they are sourcing, but also from whom they are sourcing and, maybe even more importantly in recent years, from where they are sourcing. They are also looking at their suppliers further down the chain. Tier two, three, and even four suppliers are under evaluation and medtech is truly learning more about its supply chain on the whole.

If you’re not already putting your supply chain under the microscope, be sure it’s on your list to-do in 2023.

Labor Shortage: There were already issues emerging with obtaining the right talent for the right positions well before COVID-19. The pandemic, however, simply exacerbated an already bad situation. These days, everyone is looking for labor for a variety of positions and in a variety of locations. This isn’t a U.S. problem; it may just have different aspects to it in different locations.

There are a number of ways companies can be proactive about this issue. One of the most commonly suggested solutions (unfortunately, not a quick-fix by any means) is to work with local middle and high schools to introduce kids to the medical device manufacturing industry and environment. Let them see the difference you make with the work you do. Let them see what additive manufacturing, design software, molding and machining, and other “cool” technologies look like on a large-scale production level.

Another approach is to work with local trade schools and colleges to help shape the curriculum so the school is producing the type of worker you need for long-term success. Knowing the real-world skills an employer is seeking is certainly going to be of interest when a school boasts about its placement success.

Finally, don’t forget about retention. Employees want different things; you need to know what it takes to keep them—for some, it’s money; for others, its purpose; still others are focused on work-life balance. For most, it’s going to be a combination of the three.

Get involved in these aspects in 2023 to help enhance your labor pool for years to come.

Cybersecurity: The orthopedic device industry is sometimes viewed as a more traditional sector in terms of technology. But the reality is, the digital revolution in healthcare is sweeping through this segment just as much as others. As such, it’s critical orthopedic device makers understand the needs to be successful within this new environment. Learning about cybersecurity should be at the top of your to-do list if you’re looking to introduce a more digitally centric product line in the coming years.

Cybersecurity isn’t the sole responsibility of the hospital, patient, or any other member of the care continuum. It’s an issue that impacts all and, as such, needs involvement from all. Find out what your vulnerabilities may be (and not just in your products, but in your manufacturing environment as well) and how to resolve them. Learn about white hat hackers and how they might help your company. Healthcare is moving toward a brave new (digital) world; find out how to successfully exist within it.

What did I miss? What are the top priorities on your to-do list? If you find time during the holiday season to share them with me, I’d appreciate it. In the meantime, have a fantastic season and new year. 

Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]