Biomedical engineering in low- and middle-income settings: analysis of current state, challenges and best practices

Abstract

Supporting the expansion of best practices in Biomedical Engineering (BME) can facilitate pathway toward the providing universal health coverage and more equitable and accessible healthcare technologies, especially in low- and middle-income (LMI) settings. These best practices can act as drivers of change and may involve scientific-technological issues, human intervention during technology development, educational aspects, social performance management for improved interactions along the medical technology life cycle, methods for managing resources and approaches for the establishment of regulatory frameworks.The aim of our study was to identify weaknesses and strengths of the scientific, technological, socio-political, regulatory and educational landscape in BME in LMI resource settings. We thus analysed the current state-of-the-art through six dimensions considered fundamental for advancing quality and equity in healthcare: 1) relevant and 2) emergent technologies, 3) new paradigms in medical technology development, 4) innovative BME education, 5) regulation and standardization for novel approaches, and 6) policy making. In order to evaluate and compare their relevance, maturity and implementation challenges, they were assessed through a questionnaire to which 100 professionals from 35 countries with recognized experience in the field of BME and its application to LMI settings responded.The results are presented and discussed, highlighting the main challenges and pinpointing relevant areas where intervention, including local lobbying and international promotion of best practices is necessary. We were also able to identify areas where minimal effort is required to make big changes in global health.

Lifecycle of surgical devices: Global, environmental, and regulatory considerations

“…71 Initiatives, such as the African Biomedical Engineering Consortium, exemplify this approach promoting standardized regulations. 72 This streamlined process not only simplifies procedures for companies but also has the potential to reduce costs and enhance efficiency facilitating device integration in the African market. 73 Ultimately, regulatory advancements may advance health outcomes by improving access to essential medical devices for patients across LMICs.…”

“…LMICs, notably African nations, have sought to align their regulatory processes with established European models, such as the Medical Device Directive, due to historical, geographical, and recommended practices 71 . Initiatives, such as the African Biomedical Engineering Consortium, exemplify this approach promoting standardized regulations 72 . This streamlined process not only simplifies procedures for companies but also has the potential to reduce costs and enhance efficiency facilitating device integration in the African market 73 .…”

Biomedical engineering research in Chilean universities - A bibliometric analysis

“…Other complementary undergraduate programs have been established in Chile to address the growing need for specialised healthcare professionals derived from BME. The Bioinformatics engineering program at Universidad de Talca (UTalca) was founded in 2003 4 , the Bioengineering program at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) was introduced in 2008 5 , and the newly proposed Medical bioengineering program at Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM) in 2021 6 . All these programs have an extension from 10 to 12 semesters.…”

“…healthcare needs [2]- [4]. BME programs offer different levels of specialisation, depending on the requirements of each region or country [5], [6].…”

E-Procurement of Medical Laboratory Equipment: Experiences from a Tertiary Care Oncology Center in India

“…The downtime of the medical equipment is a critical factor in effective healthcare delivery and must be kept at minimum. 9 It was observed that the medical equipment on GeM only come with a time bound warranty. Sometimes, the seller is located far from user location.…”