Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-29T04:43:06.213Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Knowledge network for medical technology management in Mexico

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 October 2009

Fabiola Martínez Licona
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Iztapalapa
Joaquín Azpiroz Leehan
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Iztapalapa
Miguel Cadena Méndez
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Iztapalapa
Salvador Duarte Yuriar
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Xochimilco
Raúl Molina Salazar
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Iztapalapa
Amador Terán Gilmore
Affiliation:
Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana–Azcapotzalco

Abstract

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.

Type
Research Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Bauld, TJ. The definition of a clinical engineer. J Clin Eng. 1991;16:403405.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2. Bostrom, U, Bravar, D, Kanai, H, et al. Clinical engineering worldwide. IEEE Eng Med Biol Mag. 2004;12:3445.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. David, Y. Technology “Evaluation in a US Hospital: The role of clinical engineering”. Med Biol Eng Comput. 1993;31:HTA28HTA32.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Dyro, J. Clinical engineering handbook. New York: Academic Press; 2004.Google Scholar
5. Frize, M. Results of an international survey of clinical engineering departments, Part 1. Role, functional involvement and recognition. Med Biol Eng Comput. 1990;28:153159.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6. Frize, M. Results of an international survey of clinical engineering departments, Part 2. Budgets, staffing, resources and financial strategies. Med Biol Eng Comput. 1992;28:160165.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7. Grimes, SL. The future of clinical engineering: The challenge of change. IEEE Eng Med Biol Mag. 2003;22:9199.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8. Koop, CE, Mosher, R, Kun, L, et al. Future delivery of health care: Cybercare a distributed network-based health-care system. IEEE Eng Med Biol Mag. 2008;27:2937.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
9. Shaffer, MJ. Clinical engineering cost-effectiveness measurements in the USA. Med Biol Eng Comput. 1985;23:503505.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10. Zambuto, RP. Clinical engineers in the 21st Century: Charting recent changes and a look at the future. IEEE Eng Med Biol Mag. 2004;23:3741.CrossRefGoogle Scholar