Today’s frontline healthcare professional relies on sophisticated medical equipment and technology to diagnose, treat, and care for patients. But without proper care and maintenance, that medical equipment can malfunction or break down entirely, preventing patients from receiving the care they deserve. Here are a few reasons it’s critical for medical equipment to receive regular maintenance:
1. Medical Equipment Maintenance Ensures Patient Safety and Accurate Diagnoses
Patient safety is the top priority of any healthcare organization, which is why regular maintenance is so important. If medical equipment isn’t properly cared for, life-saving devices such as ventilators, incubators, and dialysis machines could malfunction and lead to adverse results, ineffective treatment, or even death. When your equipment is in working order, you ensure that patients are properly diagnosed and treated.
2. Medical Equipment Upkeep Prevents Workplace Hazards
Old, malfunctioning, or broken equipment can create workplace hazards for your patients and staff. If a heavy piece of equipment has loose bolts, it could fall on someone and cause injury. Or, if X-ray machine tubing or parts become damaged, it could leak radiation and affect everyone in the radiology unit. Regular maintenance prevents physical risk and adverse consequences that may occur from abnormal operation of equipment.
3. Increases Medical Equipment Lifespan and Save Money
Regular maintenance can slow the rate of parts and equipment deterioration and increase the lifespan of your equipment. It can also prevent the need for costly repairs and save your organization money. Proper equipment upkeep also reduces downtime, which can be problematic. For example, if a patient needs to schedule an MRI but the machine is unavailable due to repairs, it can delay the appointment along with their diagnosis and treatment. When you increase the lifespan of your equipment, you help to increase the efficiency of your healthcare facility and the services you provide. Even more importantly, when patients have access to quality diagnostic tools when they need them, they can begin treatment sooner and get on the road to recovery.
4. Medical Equipment Maintenance is Required
Equipment maintenance isn’t just something that’s good to do—it’s required by medical agencies. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services require regular testing and upkeep of hospital equipment. The Joint Commission, an independent nonprofit that accredits healthcare facilities, requires planned, preventative maintenance on all equipment, as well as a written inventory of the devices, instruments, and tools a facility owns. Failure to meet the standards of these agencies could lead to fines, loss of accreditation, and damage to your organization’s reputation.
Medical equipment technicians are required to test, calibrate, and repair medical equipment. Are you interested in a hands-on career in a healthcare environment? Charter Career Academy offers an affordable, online Medical Equipment Technician program that can prepare you for entry-level work in the field. Fill out the form to learn more.