Introduction:
Medicine can be regarded as a synthesis of art and science. The Medical Physics and Bioengineering (M.P.B.E.) Department provides support for the scientific component, which is of ever-increasing importance in modern medicine. The M.P.B.E. Department is staffed by technician and graduate Physical Scientists (Physicists, Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineers, and Computer Scientists) dedicated to seeking, exploring and delivering solutions to technical and scientific problems in health care.
Today the discipline of Medical Physics and Bioengineering may be seen as a synthesis of the core of knowledge in the various Physical Sciences (Physics, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science) as these are applied to medical practice. Thus the discipline links medicine with the physical foundation for scientific knowledge.
Maintenance:
In the course of its useful life the M.P.B.E. department manages the maintenance of the hospitals electro-medical equipment. In most cases each item of equipment is maintained by the staff of the M.P.B.E. department however, where some specialist items are concerned the activity of the in-house staff is supported by external agencies whose services are purchased. The negotiation, scheduling and supervision of services provided by outside agencies is done by M.P.B.E. staff. The department endeavors to supply a better and more comprehensive support service than that of the supplying companies, in a cost-effective way.
Unscheduled Maintenance:
Failure of electro-medical equipment while in routine use results in the equipment users requesting that equipment be serviced. This is referred to as unscheduled maintenance. The department has developed procedures for dealing with these requests in an appropriate and timely fashion. After completion of the repair details of the corrective maintenance performed and other relevant information is documented, archived and copied to the end user.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance is maintenance performed on a regular basis to assure proper equipment performance and if possible to reduce the probability of equipment failure. the department has established and instituted a programme of scheduled maintenance appropriate to the equipment that group supports. After completion of the scheduled maintenance on any one item the details of the work carried out are documented, archived and copied to the end user. The department manages and regularly reviews the scheduled maintenance programme to ensure it is appropriate.
Quality Assurance:
Quality assurance protocols are developed and implemented to ensure the functional and safety performance of equipment is consistent with manufacturer recommendations and/or accepted norms. Quality assurance protocols developed and implemented by the department involve the routine inspection and assessment of equipment performance, a continuous review of regulatory standards, evolving national/international standards/recommendations, hazard warning notices and the published literature.
User Support:
The department offers support to the end users of the equipment other than the maintenance services outlined. The solution to user-related problems with existing equipment or with the introduction or development of new services, often requires multidisciplinary approach; in such cases the members of each group, in conjunction with the users, reviews equipment function and operating procedures within the broad clinical context. Through provision of these services the members of the department participate in a direct way with the end users in the delivery of health care.
Project Development:
In association with clinical and allied professionals, the members of each group contribute to development of new services or facilities that involve the application of technology within medicine.
Risk Management/Safety:
The department provides advice on matters relating to the safe use of electro-medical equipment within the hospital environment. They play an important role regarding the investigation of adverse patient's incidents in which a medical device is suspected of contributing to patient or staff injury. They also have a role in identifying potential hazards, which may arise due to technical or environmental factors or from a lack of adequate training of end users.
Education & Training:
In-service training covering equipment use and operator maintenance is provided by the department either directly or in conjunction with the supplying companies.
For further information please contact:
Michael Towey, BSc (Hons), PGrad Dip.
Physicist
Medical Physics & Bioengineering Department
Portiuncula Hospital
Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway
Tel: 090 9648208
Fax: 090 9648242
