While the internet is certainly on of the greatest inventions of the modern era, it has also proven how more information does not necessarily make life better. This principle applies especially in the medical community.
Thanks to misinformation, the healthcare industry suffers from myths about medical equipment. Keep reading to learn the truth about the most common myths surrounding both the public and private medical practice.
Cyber Security and Medical Equipment Myths
Many individuals believe myths about cybersecurity in general. Never in history has it been more important to protect your medical equipment with proper cybersecurity and to not believe these myths.
Myth: Patching Compromises the Equipment
Even the best medical equipment is susceptible to hacking. IT experts know how to fix the problem, though, much like they’d fix any technical problem: with a patch.
Yet many a medical practitioner believe that a patch will compromise the equipment when in fact, the patch protects the equipment from attacks. Yes, a patch will cost money, but a cyber attack will cost more.
Even the best medical supplies like what you find at ukmedi.co.uk will ultimately have vulnerabilities, so trust your IT experts. Ultimately, the medical patch will not change the function of the medical equipment.
Myth: Medical Device Security Is Just Like All Security
Not all tech problems are the same. In the same way, medical security is its own branch of cyber security. For example, an update window can pop up on a fetal monitor at any time, even as a mother is attempting to deliver the baby. You cannot treat the window like you would a traditional PC.
Furthermore, if you do not update the machine, the problems can affect other machines as well. Each of the machines are connected in the healthcare industry.
Reprocessed Medical Equipment Myths
Many individuals in the healthcare industry will use reprocessed medical equipment both to save money and waste. But individuals begin to believe that reprocessed materials will compromise their effectiveness or safety. These statements are not always true.
Myth: Reprocessed Devices Are Poorly Regulated
Reprocessed devices require regulation just like new devices. Often individuals believe the myth that medical institutions will use reprocessed devices to save money. However, reprocessed devices still adhere to the following regulations:
- Licensed and accredited agents alone should reprocess devices
- The reprocesseing agents must use just recommended machinery for reprocessing
- Relevant authorities will approve the reprocessed devices before the agents release them for use
These three basic principles ensure the safety of the reprocessed medical equipment.
Myth: Devices Used More Than Once Are Harmful
Many people believe the myth that devices used more than once are harmful. This is true if the reprocessed device does not go through proper decontamination. Reprocessed devices, when properly decontaminated, will not harm patients.
Think about this logically. A private medical practice would not logically risk its reputation by using contaminated devices.
Facts Not Fiction
The myths surrounding the medical equipment could negatively affect both the health industry and the quality of care individuals receive. If you don’t trust your doctor and their equipment, you’ll eventually stop going to the doctor. A mixture of common sense along with facts, not fiction, will help build confidence medical equipment goes under the same.
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