The first chapter describes the health care delivery systems in Canada and in the U.S. This is followed by examples of various approaches used to measure physiological variables in humans, either for the purpose of diagnosis or monitoring potential disease conditions; a brief description of sensor technologies is included. The function and role of the clinical engineer in managing medical technologies in industrialized and in developing countries are presented. This is followed by a chapter on patient safety (mainly electrical safety and electromagnetic interference); it includes a section on how to minimize liability and how to develop a quality assurance program for technology management. The next chapter discusses applications of telemedicine, including technical, social, and ethical issues. The last chapter presents a discussion on the impact of technology on health care and the technology assessment process. This two-part book consolidates material that supports courses on technology development and management issues in health care institutions. It can be useful for anyone involved in design, development, or research, whether in industry, hospitals, or government.

Autorentext

Monique Frize is a Distinguished Professor at Carleton and Professor Emerita at University of Ottawa. She was a biomedical engineer for 18 years in hospitals (1971-1989) and a professor in electrical and biomedical engineering since 1989. Monique Frize published over 200 papers in journals and conference proceedings on artificial intelligence in medicine, infrared imaging, ethics and women in engineering and science. She is SeniorMember of IEEE, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (1992), Fellow of Engineers Canada (2010), Officer of the Order of Canada (1993) and recipient of the 2010 Gold Medal from Professional Engineers Ontario and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. On January 1, 2012, she will be a Fellow of IEEE for her work in clinical engineering and engineering education. She received five honorary doctorates in Canadian universities since 1992. Her book:The Bold and the Brave: A history of women in science and engineering was released by University of Ottawa Press in November 2009