Infusion pumps are standard medical devices that are used to give patients fluids like food or medicine. Maintenance is an essential part when we talk about equipment in medical practice and healthcare facilities. Any kind of equipment needs to be looked after and taken care of to prevent any unnecessary health issues or problems. An infusion pump is one such piece of equipment that needs proper preventive maintenance.
When properly maintaining the infusion pump, you can reduce unforeseen problems like device downtime, repair costs, and other such troubles. If you are wondering how to maintain an infusion pump, do not fret. You can find the basic procedures in the step-by-step guide provided by the device manufacturers. Irrespective of this, we have a few maintenance tips lined up for you.
Table of Contents
Maintenance tips for infusion pumps
Proper Education
The primary step in taking care of infusion pumps is to properly understand the clinical education of handling the product. In addition, the clinician’s education in using smart pump equipment is critical. This training should include knowing the basics of the pumps, how to clean and disinfect them, and how to inspect the device. There are protocols for removing and reporting the compromised equipment. In addition, the clinician should also be trained in assessing the care and maintenance every once in a while.
Understand the Updates
The next important step in maintaining infusion pimps is to understand the updates of the software and keep it at the best version. It is because software updates can affect medication delivery. A common reason for device malfunction could be when the devices are not regularly updated. When the updates are correctly done, these could help fix bugs within the computer mechanisms and maintain device performance. So, one should not only be aware of such updates but also know where to find them and ensure the latest software version is constantly updated.
Alerts
Responding to recalls and alerts when the infusion pump has any damage or needs to be fixed is crucial. Even if a very small problem exists, it should be immediately reported and checked.
Preventive Repairs
Another major part of the preventive maintenance of infusion pumps is preventive repair. For instance, we might give our bikes for repair after a specific period, even if they are running correctly, to keep them in good condition. Similarly, you could act proactively and get the infusion pumps repaired and replace certain parts that quickly wear out. This can help you keep the product in a good functioning condition for longer, even if bumps hard into a nursing cart. Motors, casings, and keypads are some of the parts that might need repairs or replacements.
If you do not complete repairs in a timely fashion, the damaged part may compensate and affect the overall functioning of the product. This could also lead to other issues while using and put the patient’s care in danger. So, repair it at proper intervals.
PS: Whenever you choose to repair the product, it is always essential that you try to find the OEM replacement parts. This ensures a quality part that can work longer.
Pump Alarms
There is a concept called pump alarms when we speak about infusion pumps. The alarms may vary with each patient based on their health condition. So, you should promptly attend to the alarms. When you do so, the infusion devices are properly calibrated. Therefore, they can function better.
Battery Life
Sometimes when there is a malfunction of the device, the simple reason could be the battery issue. Since batteries are vital in the functioning of infusion pumps, it is necessary to check the battery’s performance and replace it whenever needed.
Tips to ensure the infusion pump is functioning properly
- Before beginning, you can check the operability
- Clean the inside of the glass after each test
- Check fluid volume
- Inspect the power cords
- Clean the power cords
- Look for hairline fractures in casings
