Clinical Engineering

Clinical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that requires excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with complex technologies and human factors. Clinical engineers apply both simple and highly sophisticated medical technology to improving healthcare delivery. As practical engineers who are present and active at the front line of the use of medical technology as well as knowledgeable in product design, they serve as a valuable bridge and conduit of information between biomedical engineers and practitioners.

Clinical engineers are responsible for training technicians who use biomedical equipment. They often consult on the use of technology to physicians, hospital administrators and IT personnel. Hospital-based clinical engineers are responsible for evaluating new technology and advising decision-makers regarding advances in medical devices and the current state-of-the-art. They may also play a significant role in assuring regulatory compliance of medical technology and investigating incidents. In addition, they are often responsible for supervising hospital based equipment maintenance staff.

On the manufacturer’s side, clinical engineers apply their clinical experience to the design and development of medical devices. Typically, they recommend small design improvements based on their clinical expertise rather than focusing on large-scale redesigns or shifts in medical technology.

In the US, clinical engineers often serve as expert witnesses in medical malpractice trials. They may also work for not-for-profit organizations and government bodies including the FDA and the WHO.

Hospital-based clinical engineering departments are generally staffed by biomedical engineers, industrial engineers and systems engineers who apply the tools of operations research, human factor engineering and safety engineering to optimize the value of medical technology and minimize risks related to its use.

In the US, clinical engineers are certified by the American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE). Studies include classical engineering, physiology, human factors, systems analysis, medical terminology, measurement and instrumentation. Clinical engineers may do internships or practical training in university hospitals to become familiar with hospital operations, protocols and ethics.

In 2011, the official name of the profession was changed from Clinical Engineering to Healthcare Technology Management.