In addition to doctors and nurses, other hospital staff members include radiological technologists responsible for X-rays, CTs and MRIs, clinical technologists who take care of blood and bacteria tests, electrocardiogram and electroencephalograms; and physiotherapists responsible for rehabilitations. “Clinical engineers” (hereinafter referred to as “CEs”) are also medical technologists who work in hospitals. Nurses and other medical technologists who assist doctors are called paramedical staff. CEs are one type of paramedical staff and specialize in the medical equipment essential in current medical care. With further enhancement of the safety and effectiveness of such medical equipment the contribution of CEs to team medical care continues to grow.
The clinical engineer system is relatively new. It was established in 1987 under the Clinical Engineers Act.
The gist is shown below:
- It is a national qualification based on the Clinical Engineers Act established in May, 1987.
(Promulgated on June 2, 1987 and enforced on April 1, 1988).
- It is a professional medical position responsible for the operation and maintenance of life-support systems under the direction of doctors.
- CE helps to support the life of a patient as a member of a medical team using medical equipment, together with doctors and nurses.
- CEs are required to complete a course at a designated schools and pass a national examination
2） Ethical platform:
The clinical engineers’ ethical platform is established as follows:
- CEs shall make efforts toward the healthcare of the patient.
- CEs shall be responsible for their professional duties as members of medical team.
- CEs shall continue to study for the purpose of those in need of medical care.
- CEs shall at all times remain highly ethically-minded and contribute to holistic medical care.
JACE, Japan Association for Clinical Engineers establishes ethical rules for its members to enable them to be conscious of their social mission and responsibility as clinical engineers to continue studying for their own self-improvement.
- CEs shall contribute to the promotion and enhancement of medical care and welfare in order to protect the health of the people.
- CEs shall respect individual rights and not discriminate according to thought, faith or social statues.
- CEs shall keep all information acquired in the course of their duties confidential.
- CEs shall always strive to improve their academic knowledge and skills to contribute to the further development of clinical engineering.
- CEs should be fully aware of the fact that they are professional specializing in medical equipment including life-support system, and that they should carry out their duties with the utmost endeavor.
- Clinical engineers shall keep in close contact with other medical professionals to maintain trust for smoother, more effective and holistic healthcare.
- CEs should attempt to nurture younger generations in the same profession.
- CEs shall not engage in illegal and/or immoral actions, such as demanding inappropriate remuneration and the like.
- CEs shall try to deepen interaction with colleagues for mutual development.