Conclusion
The clinical engineer has a solid background on which to assume primary responsibility
for the procurement process. It is important that the clinical engineer recognize the clinical
and financial experts within the organization as critical participants in the process.
Careful attention to detail throughout the process with the intent to capture important
information and to advise the organization’s and vendor’s professionals of this information
helps to improve the process. Developing a request for proposal and following
through to the procurement contract, payment, installation, and use of the technology is
truly a lesson in communication. Expediting communication through the assurance that
adequate information is passed along to all parties and that responsibilities are clear can
make the process a win-win one for all participants.