Partial findings of the clinical engineering body of knowledge and body of practice survey

Abstract

Clinical Engineering has been fundamental to health care for decades, providing expertise in the interaction between medical devices and the health care system. Because the skills and activities required from clinical engineers around the world are not homogeneous, the Clinical Engineering Division at IFMBE decided to promote a global survey to identify the body of knowledge and body of practices they adopt. The survey was aimed at collecting data about employers and professional status, background knowledge, activity responsibilities, and the time spent in the multiple classes of activities. Survey results suggest the profession is still associated to certain traditional characteristics, such as the predominance of professionals with background in electrical, electronic, or mechanical engineering and the prevalence of hospitals and clinics as employers. The questionnaire seems adequate to reveal which skills and activities are considered the most relevant by clinical engineers, but more responses are required before a solid Body of Knowledge and Body of Practice can be defined.