Welcome to my second blog post! This will be on the needs finding workshop that we conducted over the past 3 days with Dr. Casey Howard and my group, Group 4.
To begin, we all got divided into different groups of 4-5 students, and each group contained one Spanish-speaking student that could help translate the very different things that doctors, nurses, and surgeons would tell us while we had the opportunity to conduct clinical rotations in various hospitals across San Jose in the next couple of days.
To start, we had an introductory session at The University of Costa Rica (UCR) where Dr. Casey Howard outlined needs finding and what it should mean for biomedical engineers. For biomedical engineers, needs finding is a crucial process. It involves identifying and understanding the specific challenges and unmet needs in healthcare. By actively seeking out these needs, engineers can develop innovative solutions that improve patient care and advance medical treatments. This process involves research, conversations, and observation to accurately define the needs and design appropriate technologies and devices. Needs finding drives the transformation of healthcare through innovation. But how can we properly understand the needs that hospitals and physicians will have for their patients? Properly understanding the needs of hospitals and physicians for their patients requires close collaboration and communication between biomedical engineers and healthcare professionals. I, as an engineer, can engage in direct interactions, such as interviews and observations, to gain insights into the challenges faced by healthcare providers and the specific requirements for their patient’s optimal care.
Next, we moved forward with rotations. I had the privilege of visiting the esteemed National Hospital of Geriatrics and Gerontology. This renowned institution has gained recognition for its specialized focus on geriatric care, catering specifically to the healthcare needs of the elderly population. The hospital does an excellent job of using its advanced medical facilities to help promote a compassionate approach to patient care. Its mission is to provide comprehensive and integrated services, addressing not only the physical ailments but also the emotional, social, and mental well-being of its geriatric patients. With a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians, the hospital strives to create an environment that fosters sound treatment and the implementation of advanced biomedical technologies. As my group walked around the hospital, we focused extensively on the different systems the hospital had in place for sections such as physical therapy, trauma patient care, and X-ray and CT scan deployment.
For my next rotation, I was able to visit the emergency room at Hospital Clinica Biblica in the morning. As I entered, I was greeted by a calm and organized environment. The medical staff, although not bustling with activity, remained attentive and dedicated to their roles. The emergency room was equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment, ready to be utilized when needed. Witnessing the efficiency of the healthcare professionals highlighted the importance of preparedness and the essential role that Hospital Clinica Biblica plays in providing prompt and effective care to patients in times of need. As an observer, I noticed a notable difference in the level of care provided at Clinica Biblica compared to the Hospital for Geriatrics and Gerontology. The private nature of Clinica Biblica seemed to contribute to a higher standard of personalized attention and efficiency. The medical staff exhibited a remarkable level of expertise and dedication, ensuring that patients received prompt and comprehensive care. The facilities and technology of the hospital were also very modern and looked very similar to the American hospitals that I have visited in the past.
In my experiences visiting Clinica Biblica and the National Hospital of Geriatrics and Gerontology in San Jose, I was privileged to witness two distinct healthcare settings. At Clinica Biblica, a private hospital, I observed a high level of personalized care, prompt service, and a focus on individual needs. The advanced technologies and expertise of the medical staff were evident, contributing to an exceptional healthcare experience. On the other hand, at the National Hospital of Geriatrics and Gerontology, a specialized facility, I witnessed a compassionate and innovative approach to geriatric care. The integration of effective biomedical technologies, such as advanced imaging and assistive devices, showcased the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for elderly patients. Both experiences left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the importance of tailored care and the transformative potential of biomedical engineering in healthcare. From these experiences, I was also able to find various needs that I believe both hospitals have, such as better software systems for their computers, and I hope to convert these needs into solutions in the next couple of days.
Thank you for reading my blog, and I hope to catch you in the next one!