Infusion pumps are a staple on any given hospital floor, and they are a key element in the delivery of quality care. But as one of the largest components of a hospital’s medical equipment inventory, they can also be a source of wasted time and money if not managed correctly.
Recently, Bill Mannes, National Director of Technical Services at Agiliti, was chosen to be part of a TechNation roundtable to discuss infusion pumps and provide tips to HTM professionals regarding these essential devices. Given the influx of new equipment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a good time for hospital leaders to take a closer look at one of the most essential, mobile elements moving in and out of patient rooms on a daily basis.
Some discussion points from the roundtable include:
- Cost-saving tips regarding IV pumps
- Advances in infusion pump technology
- The importance of preventive maintenance
- Purchasing and servicing advice
Looking Forward – Managing Infusion Pumps and Other MME
Over the last several months, we’ve seen an unprecedented spike in demand for infusion pumps as hospitals ramped up to support the COVID-19 pandemic. With healthcare systems under pressure to find cost-effective ways to manage and mobilize their newly acquired equipment, it’s worth taking a closer look at the workflows supporting those new devices to ensure they are utilized effectively.
As Mannes mentioned in the roundtable, “Utilization is key! IV pumps are designed to be utilized continuously. When not in use, you are decreasing the life cycle.”
Unfortunately, most hospitals do not have a process that manages the flow of infusion pumps (and other movable medical equipment) throughout the hospital, including but not necessarily limited to the delivery, tracking, pickup and cleaning/reprocessing of portable medical equipment. This can impact utilization and make it difficult for nurses to find a patient-ready device when it’s needed – the exact opposite of what was intended when the equipment was first purchased.
To learn more about how bridge the gaps and build a workflow that gets the most of your newly acquired equipment, contact us today.
