Management concepts in clinical engineering

The social and economic environment surrounding health care delivery is forcing improved financial management. The resulting responsibilities within health care institutions create the need for Clinical Engineers to develop improved management skills. Along with more traditional evaluation of technologies, these skills must be developed in the areas of Personnel and Data Management. The primary tool is a P.M./Repair Documentation System that can provide the data necessary for adequate manpower management, especially such factors as productivity and effectiveness. In addition, concepts previously foreign to engineers, such as group and human behavior, policy and program analysis, and organizational structure, must become part of the Clinical Engineers' working knowledge.