Biomedical Engineering
Department
Who we are
and what we do.
In the Beginning
Washington Hospital had joined a group that provided shared Biomedical
Services.
This program evolved over time, and eventually was purchased by a
large Independent Service Provider – Contractor.
In April 1998 Washington Hospital decided to bring the department inhouse.
Sometimes the perception is that equipment service (and servicing) is
easy. If Biomed does our job properly it really should be as easy as:
Who we are
Biomedical Engineering is a team of engineering professionals working in a
clinical environment to resolve technology issues related to patient care,
improvement in outcomes and cost effectiveness. The Biomedical
Engineering Department functions and provides engineering services
to a clinical environment supporting technology, clinicians and
the patient technology interface to reduce risks, improve patient
outcomes and enhance patient care in a cost effective manner.
This is accomplished via cost effective maintenance, repair and acquisition of
all clinical technology, and proper management of clinical technology
resources. It is the goal of the Biomedical Engineering Department to be THE
technical liaison, reference and resource for all clinical equipment. The
mission of the Biomedical Engineering Department is to provide
knowledgeable, timely and cost effective quality service to clinicians in a
professional and responsible manner to improve and enhance patient care by
supporting all aspects of patient care related technology .
Biomedical knowledge base
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Safety In The Health Care Facility – Codes and Standards
• Fundamentals of Electricity, Electronics, and Solid-State Devices
• Medical Equipment Function and Operation
• Medical Equipment Problem Solving
• Information Systems
• Customer Service
Certification as Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
I. Anatomy and Physiology
A. Systems
1. Respiratory 2. Gastrointestinal
3. Nervous 4. Circulatory
5. Musculoskeletal 6. Endocrine
B. Organs
1. Heart 2. Lungs
3. Liver 4. Kidneys
5. Brain 6. Gallbladder
7. Pancreas 8. Other
C. Blood
1. Components
2. Metabolism
D. Terminology
Regulatory Bodies
Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
California Administrative Code (CAC) Title 22
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
FDA - Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Joint Commission
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Who we are – Mission Statement
To ensure electrically safe and functional equipment for patients, visitors,
and hospital employees through a program of continuing inspection,
testing, and repairs of patient care equipment, regardless of
ownership, and assistance with inservice training.
To act as a resource in selecting new patient care equipment and
fulfilling manufacturers' recalls as needed.
Our main customers are the direct caregivers of Washington Hospital.
Other customers include:
– Support departments
– Patients
– Some of the DEVCO sites
– Administration
– Regulatory authorities such as Joint Commission, and California
Department of Health Services (DHS).
Who we are - Services offered
We see ourselves as MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS