Development of a new Clinical Engineering Management Tool & Information System (CLE-MANTIS).

The evolution of the field of biomedical technology has led to the diffusion of an impressive number of medical devices into healthcare institutions. In this environment, Clinical Engineering Departments (CEDs) are expanding their role in healthcare technology management, by changing their structure and introducing quality systems in order to improve their services and monitor the outcomes. In the framework of the national project BIOTECHNET II, a software tool for the management of biomedical technology, named CLE-MANTIS, has been developed, with the aim to assist CEDs in their tasks. CLE-MANTIS functions include the upkeep of an inventory, the support and monitoring of scheduled maintenance, corrective maintenance, vigilance, equipment acquisition and replacement, service contract management and user training. The system offers clinical engineers the possibility to monitor and evaluate the quality and cost-effectiveness of their departments through the monitoring of quality and cost indicators. This paper presents the main features and functions of the system.