When patients are admitted to hospital, numerous tests are often required. In terms of both automating these tests to make them more efficient and economical and the actual design and development of these tests, Medical Physicists and Biomedical Engineers play a vital role. Perhaps one of the first such instrument developed was the electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Likewise, the electroencephalogram measures electrical activity of the brain, and the electromyograph measures electrical activity of muscles. Numerous other instruments are used in all of the medical specialties to measure and characterize patient status. Even measurements of blood and tissue composition may automatically carried out by analytical instruments designed, developed and operated by Medical Physicists and Biomedical Engineers.
The data collected by these many tests are included in the patient record. Even for a relatively brief hospital stay, an enormous volume of data may be accumulated. The ability to record, store, retrieve, and analyse data from a variety of sources and in numerous formats has become a major concern in providing efficient patient care. With the aid of computers and specific computer programs such as databases, expert systems, and computer aided diagnosis, Medical Physicists and Biomedical Engineers are devising ways to make the most efficient use of information related to each patient, both to benefit that particular patient and to conduct epidemiological studies.
Physics and engineering provide help to patients of all ages. A baby attached to a new electrical imaging system that has been developed by Medical Physicists to assess lung function in premature infants.
Rehabilitation of physically-impaired patients requires the design and manufacture of devices such as wheelchairs, eating aids and communication aids. In many instances such devices are not commercially available and need to be designed and made by Biomedical Engineers and Technologists. This process involves visiting and assessing patients in the community in order that the device is customised to their needs. Without these technical aids, institutional care is the only alternative in many instances.
The design of artificial limbs requires the application of biomechanical techniques such as gait analysis and finite element analysis to design a match between the needs of each particular patient to the physical properties of the prosthetic device.
Powered prosthetic devices, now well advanced in development, offer much improved performance to patients who require artificial limbs. This is another area in which Medical Physicists and Biomedical Engineers provide expert knowledge.
Most Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering departments have mechanical and electronic engineering facilities that are used to design and develop novel medical instrumentation to attack problems whose solution is essential to the development of cost-effective clinical services.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BE, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161 Fax: +44 (0)191-226-0970 E-mail: webmaster@rmpd.org.uk Web: http://www.rmpd.org.uk
By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions of Use. Please read our legal page.
Regional Medical Physics Department, a Clinical Directorate of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Copyright ©1999-2008 All Rights Reserved. Revised 28 April, 2008.
