Spectrum 2017 Spring

Spectrum 2017 Spring
Publication date: 
21 Feb 2017

Foreword

 

A warm welcome to the first edition of the Spectrum Journal, 2017. What a quick year that has been!

This edition is packed with interesting articles and news pieces to keep you informed, educated and updated. There’s an update on our Continuing Education Series; a review of the 2016 Annual Scientific Conference; various scientific articles, including topics discussed at the conference and other items, such as a review on radio frequency interference with telemetry systems and Kieran Healy’s Roving Reporter.

We have also included a heartfelt tribute from Brendan Tuohy and his team to Wil van der Putten, on his passing this time last year.

Our 2016 Annual Scientific Conference broke all records previously set, with more attendees, more exhibitors and a higher profile than previous conferences. This conference was extra special for the BEAI, being its 21st Annual Scientific Conference. We celebrated by presenting all previous chairpersons with a unique piece of glassware to mark the occasion, and held a social event in the evening where entertainment was provided.

We were delighted with the calibre of speakers on the day and the interactions between industry, academia and health sector engineers and colleagues on the day. A more detailed review of the conference is contained within this edition, with some great photos to showcase the attendees present. I would like to thank Richard Ellis and his team in Cardiac Services for working with us as gold sponsors for the 2016 event.

Preparations are well underway for the 2017 conference, with a date set for Friday, September 29, 2017 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.

See page 6 for our exciting offer for all members – a complimentary Arduino or Raspberry Pi for three members, who submit a brief of an idea for their use, and in return, we would ask for a presentation/progress report at this year’s conference in September. Look forward to hearing from you all!

The BEAI’s Continuing Education Series is an ongoing success, with our hospital engineers, industry colleagues, and other health sector employees with vested interests in the various topics that are on the agenda. In this edition, Meabh Smith, our education officer, gives an update on where the Continuing Education Series is at present, and the plans for the future. Continuing professional development (CPD) is very important for everyone to maintain and these sessions allow that to happen in a meaningful and interactive fashion.

Our website is currently in the design phase of an exciting upgrade.

Alongside this process, and under the guidance of Oleg and his team, we have developed a new communications system which will result in a more effective method of communicating with our members going forward.

We have also further developed the website to interact with our members in relation to CPD, with the reflective learning reports now possible to be uploaded through the website. CPD certificates will then become available within your profile and are printable should you wish. The BEAI are always looking for new members for both the executive committee and as non-executive members on the various subgroups that work alongside the main executive, including the education, the Spectrum Journal and communications subgroups. Please email or phone me if you want to find out more about what’s involved or are interested in getting involved. It’s a great way to network and contribute to your profession’s development.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Spectrum Journal – please keep an eye on the website and social media for various events and news throughout the year!

Brian Kearney

Chairperson, BEAI

 

CONTENTS

4   Notes from the Chair
6   News
9   Industry News
10 Continuing Education Series
11 BEAI Annual Scientific Conference Report
17 Liquid healthcare systems
20 Ammonia breath monitoring in chronic kidney disease
23 Psychological care in end stage renal disease
28 Plasmapheresis for the treatment of kidney disease
32 Distance measuring trolley for rehabilitation of patients after surgery
35 Fighting radio frequency interference in medical telemetry
39 Technology as a lever for change
42 Vigilance in healthcare and medical devices
45 Roving Reporter
47 Obituary
49 Diary

About Us

The Biomedical / Clinical Engineering Association of Ireland (BEAI) is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Company Registration no. 484921.

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For general information, including registration, please contact us at:

  • 8 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Road,
  • Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland,
  • A94 EE95