Challenges supporting Clinical Engineering Initiatives in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)

Abstract

Two case studies are discussed regarding the support of clinical engineering initiatives in Ghana.  One is the support of clinical engineering best practices at hospitals sites in northern Ghana including the introduction of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) capabilities.  The second is the support of the donation of hemodialysis units to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Hospital in Kumasi, central Ghana.  Challenges to overcome with these initiatives include the time and effort to convince senior leadership and clinical engineers regarding the benefits of clinical engineering best practices, identifying and fostering local champions for the initiatives, and recognizing that ongoing support is needed to keep these initiatives moving forward to sustainment.  Supports include ongoing training webinars, mini-conferences and discussion forums.  Support for implementation and transport of donated technology is also critical to ensure the success of the donation.  All support must be provided in a culturally sensitive manner and an understanding of the infrastructure limitations with a focus that the local clinical engineering champions must be the driving force of the initiatives.