RESUMO
The quality of a device-related, accident investigation is largely determined by the clinical and technical data available to the investigators. After an event, traditional legal conflicts have tended to prevent full information sharing between the manufacturer and the risk manager of the healthcare facility. We propose that, under the guidance of a risk manager, a healthcare clinical engineer partner with an engineer from the manufacturer and each partner provide maximum information and focused attention on the investigation. The synergy of the partnership should provide a more effective investigation and an increased patient safety in the healthcare delivery system.
Assuntos
Falha de Equipamento , Instalações de Saúde , Gestão da Segurança/organização & administração , Comportamento Cooperativo , Eficiência Organizacional , Relações InterprofissionaisRESUMO
Clinical Engineers (CE's) and Clinical Engineering departments began appearing in hospitals a little over thirty years ago. The impetus for their creation was often based on a single patient safety issue. From those early days to now, the contributions of CE's to patient safety problems and issues has spanned many topics and operations. The experiences of one CE are presented and illustrated by several examples of patient safety issues and the CE department involvement in patient safety improvement through individual, department, and committee efforts.
