At times it is overwhelming what can encompass the field of clinical engineering, a field
that is as dynamic as the people in it. Those who understand the concept of clinical engineering
get it, however, it is the transposition that is the constant struggle. Every clinical
engineer has had to explain the profession at one time or another. The American College
of Clinical Engineering (ACCE) definition provides a clear concise explanation that can
then be tailored to the specific role: Clinical engineers support and advance patient care
by applying engineering and management skills to health care technology.
In reviewing the chapters for this section I am in awe of where we have been, where
we are, and where we can go. There are so many clinical engineers out there it is amazing.
The goal is to have the non-traditional ones consider themselves part of the clinical
engineering field. This handbook is a large step in accomplishing just that by linking all
the specialties of clinical engineering under one cover.
This section focuses on the many avenues clinical engineers can explore to further their
skill set or embark on a new career path that utilizes their ability of combining engineering
and health care technology. The authors have done a wonderful job of exploring future
opportunities while maintaining the core of the clinical engineering discipline. The initial
chapter has the responsibility of reviewing the technical advances and how clinical engineers
can apply themselves to their success. I found the concept of the Inflection Point to
be very insightful and right on the mark for the development of future generations of clinical
engineers. It is interesting that the avenues explored for the future roles really support
the skills and continue them to the next level. In the following chapter, virtual instrumentation
as applied to health care is illustrated by several practical examples (see Chapter
136). The next chapter covers historical and future non-traditional clinical engineering
roles with a humorous entrance in which many traditional types may have to look in the
mirror! The success of applying engineering skills for the improvement of health care is
embodied in many careers that really are clinical engineers by definition but not typical
or historical environment.
The following chapter (Chapter 138) on SWOT analysis takes inflection to the militaryengineering
level. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The
results make you think how this applies in your particular career path. The author is very
resilient and still on the cutting edge in the field with design in the health care setting.
Clinical engineers and biomedical engineering technicians have the capability and
knowledge to assist with the user representation of the Global Harmonization Task Force
and in particular their capacity to provide key information in post market surveillance and
vigilance of medical devices. This role has always existed but behind closed doors, yet
with the current trends in reporting and the required ending of the punitive aura of medical
device mishaps, the clinical engineer is at a unique vantage point to fulfill this role
quite well (Chapter 139).
Every clinical engineer can add a new tool to their managerial toolbox especially an outline
to succeed and sell your future. Business plan development is a special skill and one
often overlooked by the technical set. The author provides the fundamentals to assist anyone
in breaking down the necessary parts to make your future successful (Chapter 140).
Reviewing an actual case study showing how clinical engineers affect the quality management
of a primary health care concern (Chapter 141) expands the potential future of
the profession. The technical skills of a clinical engineer can cross many paths including
part of a health care delivery team in researching disease management. This is truly an
avenue that is not explored enough within the resources of the health care community.
The closing chapter (Chapter 142) blasts through the eighth dimension to 2050. The
trends are certainly justified by looking at health care today. The role of the clinical engineer
still has a place in 2050 as the meshing of engineering and health care technology
continues plus the fact that the world is becoming a smaller place.
In addition to exploring the many potential futures of clinical engineering this section
highlights the important role that clinical engineering will have for many years. Often it is
difficult for technical people to see outside the box and assume a metamorphosis in their role.
Staying within the traditional clinical engineering role will not slow the future just temporarily
mask and one can only embrace the excitement of what is to come. The future is very
bright for the field of clinical engineering so put on your shades and hold-on tight for what
is sure to be an exciting ride. I