Results of an international survey of clinical engineering departments. Part 2. Budgets, staffing, resources and financial strategies

Knowledge network for medical technology management in Mexico

OBJECTIVES

The role of biomedical engineers (BMEs) has changed widely over the years, from managing a group of technicians to the planning of large installations and the management of medical technology countrywide. As the technology has advanced, the competence of BMEs has been challenged because it is no longer possible to be an expert in every component of the technology involved in running a hospital. Our approach has been to form a network of professionals that are experts in different fields related to medical technology, where work is coordinated to provide high quality services at the planning and execution stages of projects related to medical technology.

METHODS

A study of the procedures involved in the procurement of medical technology has been carried out over the years. These experiences have been compared with several case studies where the approach to problem solving in this area has been multidisciplinary. Planning and execution phases of projects involving medical technology management have been identified.

RESULTS

After several instances of collaboration among experts from different fields, a network for management of healthcare technology has been formed at our institution that incorporates the experience from different departments that were dealing separately with projects involving medical technology.

CONCLUSIONS

This network has led us to propose this approach to solve medical technology management projects, where the strengths of each subgroup complement each other. This structure will lead to a more integrated approach to healthcare technology management and will ensure higher quality solutions.

Survey of clinical engineering effectiveness in developing world hospitals: equipment resources, procurement and donations

This paper presents preliminary findings of a study of clinical engineering effectiveness within developing world hospitals. To date, 169 responses have been collected from 43 countries, primarily from Africa, Latin America and Asia, with some representation from the Middle East and Eastern Europe as well. Data is presented on: 1) hospital and clinical engineering department profiles; 2) human and equipment resources; and 3) equipment procurement and donation processes, with a focus on the role of the clinical engineering department. This is the first study to collect and analyze data on the complexity and state of hospital equipment across the developing world; additionally it is the first to collect significant responses from Africa. Prior to this study, only 10 developing countries had been profiled in international studies.

Survey of clinical engineering in developing countries and model for technology acquisition and diffusion

An international survey was conducted in 2003 to assess the status of clinical engineering services delivered to hospitals in developing countries. Data was collected from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Mexico. The responses were compared to two previous studies done in industrialized countries. A model of medical technology acquisition and diffusion is presented.