Roles of Biomedical & Clinical Engineers

Question 1

Biomedical Engineer

Answer 1

• BME uses traditional engineering expertise to analyze and solve problems in biology and medicine.
• BME work with other health care professionals (physicians, nurses, therapists, technician and scientistis)
• BME work with a team to design instruments, devices and software.

Question 2

Human Factors Engineering

Answer 2

• Developing the man-machine interface
• How individual interact with devices
• Identify and research sources of medical device error to improve patient safety.
• Where something can be dangerous and apply the knowledge to the device for safety reasons.

Question 3

Clinical Engineering

Answer 3

• A clinical engineer is a professional who supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and mangerial skills to healthcare technology.
• Application of technology to health care in hospitals.
• Work along physicians, nurses and other hospital staff
• Responsible to make sure the technology is ready to be used on patient (safety).
• Can be found in hospitals, clinics, government, etc.

Question 4

Where to BME/CCE work

Answer 4

• Industry (medical device manufacturers)
• Hospitals (Clinical/BME eng)
• Universities
• Research Labs
• Regulatory agencies (HC, FD, WHO)
• Consultant

Question 5

4 Service Philosophies (AQEA)

Answer 5

1. Accessibility
2. Quality
3. Efficacy
4. Accountability

Question 6

Accessibility

Answer 6

• Outwards not inwards focus
• Single point of contact
• 24/7, 365 days
• Communication with physicians, nurses, administration, scientists.

Question 7

Quality

Answer 7

• Cross training to provide better coverage
• Improve internal processes (troubleshooting)
• Response time and time of completion

Question 8

Efficacy

Answer 8

• Do things right
• Look at corrective actions in terms of
  
  1. Time spent on action
  2. Cost of action: parts/supplies/time
  3. Outcomes: mean time between failure

Question 9

Accountability

Answer 9

• All actions/interventions require documentation
• Cost accountability
• Benchmarks (80% time accountability)

Question 10

4 Clinical Outcomes (RHRC)

Answer 10

1. Accessibility –> Responsiveness
2. Quality –> High Level of Patient Care
3. Efficacy –> Reduced Downtime
4. Accountability –> Cost Effectiveness

Question 11

Telemedicine

Answer 11

Regular doctor appointments that take place via secure video conferences.