THE CLINICAL ENGINEER; THE OBSERVED NEED, AND PROPOSED ROLE A REPORT

Abstract

For the past few decades, and for the next few decades to come, the amount of high technology equipment used in hospitals has been increasing drastically. This has forced Hospital Administrations to re-examine techniques used to oversee the operation of such apparatus in the hospital, and the scientific principles they use. different methods are available today for this purpose, from which administrators can choose. The suggested method by this report is the implementation by the Health Care System of Clinical Engineers. The material in this report is presented in such a manner as to reveal the different aspects related to the position of Clinical Engineering. The report therefore defines the position of Clinical Engineering, the qualifications of a candidate for that position, and describe the observed need for such personnel in the Canadian Health Care System. It also compares Clinical Engineering, as a form of instrumentation management, to the other available methods. In complying with the Master of Engineering Degree in Clinical Engineering, the report is also written to give an indication of the qualifications of the author as a candidate for the degree in Clinical Engineering. It attempts to show the competence of the student as an engineer as well as display his knowledge of the clinical environment.