Treatment of new coronavirus infections

The role of the clinical engineer in the intensive care unit

Abstract

The first novel coronavirus infection was recognized in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. In Japan, the full-scale battle against the new coronavirus infection began in February of the following year with the treatment of passengers aboard the cruise ship Diamond Princess. Proper management of mechanical ventilation, blood purification therapy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is essential in coronavirus treatment. Based on experiences with new strains of influenza, clinical engineers have extensive experience in this management. In addition to direct treatment of patients, intensive care units benefit from the extensive experience of clinical engineers, which has led to prevention of secondary infection, optimal selection of medical equipment, and enhanced safety measures. The important role of clinical engineers is to select medical equipment with infection control in mind, procure it, and explain its use to other medical staff. Additionally, clinical engineers collect information on treatment methods and medical equipment management methods, plan hospital measures, and respond directly to treatment. During the novel coronavirus outbreak, in which respiratory therapy has been of high importance, the experience and expertise of clinical engineers have been utilized in the selection of the ventilator model. Clinical engineers have made these important decisions based on the structural differences of ventilators and the study of airway humidification methods. Finally, the role of clinical engineers has also been important in introducing various technologies such as remote monitoring and IP radio. Such wireless communication tools have been essential to the medical field for managing communicable diseases.