The current status and issues of medical equipment safety managers 10 years after deployment and the role of clinical engineers

Abstract

We conducted a questionnaire survey of 4,000 hospitals in Japan to investigate the current status and issues of medical equipment safety managers (MESMs) who have been required to be assigned to medical institutions for 10 years.

967 As a result of analyzing valid responses from hospitals, clinical engineers (CEs) are assigned to hospitals, and detailed medical devices such as efficient medical device safety management, individual medical device management, and regular training are provided. It was found that the maintenance of medical equipment was being carried out, but the burden on MESMs was increasing. In order to strengthen the medical equipment safety management system in medical facilities in the future, it is desirable to strengthen the organizational structure and authority of MESMs and CEs and further incentives for medical fees.

In order to further promote the safety management of medical equipment, the number of medical facilities where CEs are assigned is increased, and even if CEs are not assigned, the minimum safety management of medical equipment is required for all medical facilities. It is necessary to develop an environment that can be practiced at the facility.