Abstract :
It is clear that hospitals today are beset by manifold problems. Some of these vexing problems are amenable to solution by engineering science and technology. It is a cause for concern that the full impact of engineering has not made itself felt on finding solutions to these problems. The reasons for this failure include: 1) inappropriate approaches to the problems, particularly failure to recognize that many of the problems are of a discrete, project-oriented type, 2) the interaction between individual engineers and medical personnel has often been ineffective, 3) the resources brought to bear on these problems have been inadequate, 4) the hospitals are not economically motivated to avail themselves of technologic advances. Specific suggestions are made as to how these deterrents to effective action might be overcome.
