Page 5 - GlobalCE 1st Special Issue

T Judd et al.: Clinical Engineering/Health Technology Management 2015 Global Update

even if adequate planning and maintenance are available. technology. (Sometimes also referred to as a Biomedical
Another serious deficiency is the lack of a framework Engineer [BME].) 4
for proper HTM in most developing countries. Without Health Technology Management (HTM): For USA CE
a framework defined and supported by policies, proce- certification, defined by the ACCE Body of Knowledge
dures, defined responsibilities, and earmarked resources survey of CE practitioners, HTM is broadly defined as
for HTM, it is difficult to perform technology planning in “lifecycle management of medical devices and systems.” 5
harmony with the country’s health policies and priori-
Context and Key Acronyms
ties, ensure appropriate human and material resources
The main elements of developing country HTM and its
necessary to operate the equipment, and maintain it in 1
safe and operational conditions.” 1 key health system relationships are outlined in Figure 1.
th
The 60 World Health Assembly, convened by WHO in
DeFInItIons AnD Context 2007, passed the Resolution WHA60.29 relating to Health
6
Technologies. This resolution urges Member States:
Definitions
1. “to collect, verify, update and exchange information
Health Technologies (HT): The term refers to the ap-
on health technologies (HT); in particular medi-
plication of organized knowledge and skills in the form
cal devices as an aid to prioritization of needs and
of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures & systems
allocation of resources”;
developed to solve a health problem and improve qual-
2. “to formulate as appropriate national, strategies and
ity of lives. 3
plans for the establishment of systems for the assess-
Clinical Engineer: A Clinical Engineer (CE) is a pro- ment, planning, procurement and HT management
fessional who supports and advances patient care ap- in particular medical devices, in collaboration with
plying engineering and managerial skills to health care

FigURE 1. The main elements of developing country HTM and its key health system relationships.

5 J Global Clinical Engineering Special Issue 1: 4-14; 2018