Abstract
Medical devices can be commercialized only after being evaluated in clinical practice; therefore, there is a need for medical–industrial collaboration that involves medical professionals from the earliest stages of development. Products that have been commercialized through such collaboration include nursing supplies, diagnostic equipment, and treatment equipment, but the number of products that clinical laboratory technicians have helped to commercialize is small compared with other medical professions. Our hospital offers a human resources development course in medical device development and conducts support projects with the aim of developing products that meet medical needs. Recently, I have participated as a clinical laboratory technician in the Unsui Course, which teaches the medical device development process, from identifying medical needs to product planning and proposals, taking on the challenge of developing products in collaboration with members of various professions. Although this was a short-term course, participants carried out in many activities, including identifying issues and medical needs at a pathological examination site, considering those issues and needs, formulating solutions, and implementing those solutions. Product development was not easy, and it took time and effort for all team members to understand the testing work and medical needs. However, I discovered the joy of turning product ideas into reality. Participating in this course was a valuable experience that allowed me to reaffirm the importance of being involved in product development as a medical professional, understand the value of medical supplies and inspection equipment used in daily work, and appreciate the significance and issues of daily inspection work.
