Global Clinical Engineering Alliance (GCEA) will focus on education and inclusion in international effort to share knowledge and enhance collaboration
The formation of a new organization to bridge and unite clinical engineering efforts worldwide was announced globally during Global Clinical Engineering Day. The Global Clinical Alliance (GCEA) aims to help health care organizations improve safety and health care outcomes through education, knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
GCEA was originally conceived by a group of clinical engineers who met at last year’s Global CE Summit to discuss the potential of a new global organization to share knowledge and encourage collaboration. Central concept to this Founders’ Council was the inclusion of non-clinical professionals who are often engaged in clinical engineering but not eligible to participate in current societies or organizations. They also wanted to include organizations from all spheres and all countries, regardless of ability to pay for membership.
The stated focus of the new organization is to have “one voice internationally” to represent the interests of clinical engineering (CE) and health technology management (HTM) professionals by promoting education and training, best practices, practical research, collaboration, professional competency and innovation – all with the express goal of improving patient experience, outcomes and community wellness.
“Clinical engineering professionals are making important contributions every day all over the world. Therefore, I am excited to see our profession taking its deserved seat at the healthcare delivery table,” said Yadin David, acting president of the new organization. “GCEA will serve as the engine to drive engineering and scientific collaboration amongst groups not only in our own field, but also between our field and other healthcare stakeholders.”
GCEA’s launch is being guided by a council with representatives from around the world and underwritten by Treasurer Wayne Morse, who along with David, was of the original founders of the American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE) 30 years ago. Once launched, the nonprofit organization will be funded by membership dues, contributions and the GCEA Foundation. There are 12 members in the Founders’ Council including Saide Calil who is managing the establishment of the bylaws and constitution and Tom Judd, who will head up membership.
GCEA will focus its first-year efforts on recruiting potential society members and similar organizations. Those encouraged to join include national and transnational clinical engineering, biomedical and technologist societies; industry-based organizations; philanthropical and policy think tank foundations; and individual CE and HTM professionals. The GCEA Foundation will underwrite the $300 membership fee for those who cannot afford to join.
GCEA will hold its first meeting in the fall of 2021, at which time it will have a general assembly meeting to elect officers of the board. It will also publish a website and a journal, which will provide members with in-depth knowledge regarding clinical engineering and an online forum for sharing questions and solutions.
For more information, visit www.globalCEa.org.
