Did you know that electronic medical equipment can help save lives? If you didn’t, stick around. This article will help you understand how electronic equipment save lives. You will also be able to know why hospitals cannot do without electronic medical equipment. Thereafter, you will appreciate various pieces of electronic medical equipment found in a healthcare system.
Why electronic Medical equipment?
Health care units such as labs, pharmacies, theatres, and diagnostic centers rely heavily on electronic medical equipment. So, such units depend on medical equipment to provide high-quality services. Remember, in the medical field errors can occur. Hence, such errors in the healthcare system can affect patients negatively. For instance, an error that occurs during drug dispensation can affect the patient negatively. Such a patient might experience adverse drug reactions thus affecting management completely. So, electronic Medical equipment helps in:
- Modifying medical treatment
- Improving patient care
- Carrying out hospital duties
- Improving clinical outcomes
On top of this electronic medical equipment, help facilitate sound decision during the management of patients. This is based on the findings from electronic sensors and signal processing systems. These systems have a low margin of error. Hence, electronic medical equipment are precise and reliable.
Here are electronic medical equipment that you will get in a health facility:
1.Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Commonly known as MRI, this machine uses magnetic field computerized radio waves to create an image of an organ in your body. Once you lie inside the MRI machine, it realigns your water molecules temporarily. This realignment is a result of radio waves which then produce faint signals. These signals then create images that look like slices of bread.
Why is This Machine important?
For a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, he might need to know how your body organs are. Remember, this machine produces high-resolution images, unlike any other machine. On top of this, MRI can help diagnose:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Eye and ear diseases
- Aneurysms of cerebral vessels
- Brain tumor
- Head injury
- Breast cancer
- Bone infection
- Disk abnormality in the spinal cord
- And kidneys
2.Holter Monitor
This is electronic medical equipment that monitors and records your heart rhythm. It is a small device that is wearable and it is used to detect irregular heartbeats. What’s more, this monitor is highly recommended if the (ECG) electrocardiogram does not provide a clear result. If your heartbeats are irregular and recurrent, the doctor might recommend an event recorder monitor.
Additionally, some smart watches can also be used to check your heart rhythm. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor to know if this is an option.
Why Monitor Your Heart Rhythm?
The doctor might recommend this gadget to anyone who has:
- History of fainting
- Shown symptoms of an irregular heartbeat.
- A condition that predisposes you to arrhythmias.
It’s to note that before going for this gadget the doctor may request you to go for ECG. This is to check your heart rhythm first.
3.Electronic Medical Record System
This system is commonly known as EMR. It is an electronic system that holds health-related information of patients. The system is only accessed by authorized health care providers that are involved in the management of patients. So, this may include:
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Clinicians
- Health record officer
- Pharmacist
- Counselors
- And physiotherapist
Why is This electronic System important in a Hospital?
As you have noticed the patient’s information is secure since only authorized personnel access the system. On top of this, EMR facilitates workflow , improves patient care and ensures patient information is confidential.
Also, doctors can access patient information such as allergies, medications, and diagnoses.
Since the system is computerized, patients can be handled by a team of doctors. This practice can help reduce cases of drug reactions among patients.
On top of this, EMR can be used as a tool for disease management and surveillance.
4.Infusion Pump
This is a device that is used to deliver fluids in nutrients form or medication at a preset rate. This pump is operated by trained personnel. This person programs the rate and duration of fluids. So, the fluids are then given patient’s body via IV gradually. Hence, this ensures fluids are delivered through a built-in software interface. This pump is commonly used in nursing homes, hospitals, and also at home.
Here is a list of infusion pumps that you will find in a healthcare facility:
- Patient controlled analgesia
- Elastomeric
- Insulin pumps
- Syringe
Why is an infusion Pump important?
This pump is highly recommendable, unlike manual administration, because it delivers fluids in small amounts. Additionally, this pump can deliver fluids at controlled rates.
Also, this amazing device is capable of delivering medications in the form of:
- Hormones,
- Insulin
- Chemotherapy drug
- Antibiotics
- And pain relievers
5.Ventilator
This machine is intended to allow breathable air in and out of the lungs. You will mostly find this machine supporting a patient that has difficulties in breathing. For instance, this machine can be used to support a patient who has pneumonia. So, this machine is mostly found in the ICU and HDU. Remember, an ICU cannot offer comprehensive services if it does not have a ventilator. On top of this, you will also see this machine in the emergency rooms.
How Does This Machine Work?
A condition known as intubation is done before a patient is placed on a ventilator. This entails an anesthetist inserting a tube through a patient’s mouth down into the airway. This ensures the trachea is open enough to allow the entry of air. The tube is then connected to the oxygen cylinder. However, intubation is done when the patient is sedated.
When does the patient require this machine?
A ventilator is required immediately when the doctor realizes that a patient has difficulties in breathing. What’s more a patient can also be supported with a manual ventilator before an electronic one is found.
Did you know that some of the most commonly used medical devices at home can help you monitor vital signs in your body system? If you didn’t, don’t worry. This article will help you understand exactly that. You will get to know why these devices are a must-have at home. What’s more, you will get to appreciate the most commonly used medical devices at home.
Why Do You Require Medical Devices at Home?
Medical devices are apparatus, instruments, machines, appliances, or materials that help in mitigation, therapy, and diagnosis. Medical devices are very important not only in the hospital but also at home. These devices help prevent, diagnose and mitigate an illness. So, medical devices help in intervention and rehabilitation, especially in palliative care.
Your body parameters such as blood pressure readings and fasting glucose levels do not only have to be taken by your doctor. So, these are things that you can also monitor in the comfort of your house. Hence, with the help of medical devices, you can check and monitor yourself and prevent cases of disease progression and deaths.
Remember, the onset and progression of a disease is gradual. So, when you monitor yourself using these medical devices helps in capturing the initial symptoms or stages of a particular illness. This can also help in the treatment and reduce the chances of incurring extra costs while seeking specialized treatment oversea.
Therefore while having the medical devices at home you can be able to monitor:
- Body temperature
- Heart rate or pulse
- Body weight
- Your breathing rate
- Blood sugar
- And blood pressure
Some of the most commonly used medical devices at home include:
1. Blood Glucose Monitor
Anyone who has type 2 diabetes might require this device. So, this device helps you measure your glucose level routinely. Remember, the blood sugar of diabetic patients can fluctuate without any observable signs. So, when a diabetic patient detects a rise or a drop in sugars he/she can act immediately. The patient can report to his doctor immediately for medical care. The beauty of having this equipment is that you can check your blood sugars in the comfort of your house. Therefore, you do not need to be in a hospital setting to check your blood sugars.
Are There Different Types of Monitors in The Market?
Yes. You can get these monitors depending on the quality, price, portability, and performance. Some of these devices include:
- Care touch blood monitoring system
- Freestyle Libre
- Guardian connect system
- Rite TrueMetrix meter
- And dexcome D6
2. Thermometer
If you have a young child at home, then you know how important a thermometer is. However, a thermometer is not only used among young children. It can also be used by the adult to monitor body temperature. What’s more, as you wash your hands to help the control of Covid 19, checking your body temperature is also important. So, this device indicates if your body temperatures are high or low. Hence, this can help you take the necessary actions quickly once you note your body temperature is not ok. Quick medical intervention enhances early diagnosis and management.
How Do You Know That Your Temperature is ok?
36-37.5 degrees is ok.
What Would Make Your Temperatures Fluctuate?
- Fever
- Flue
- Or cold
These are some examples of thermometers that you can use:
- iproven Dt R-1221 AWG Medical thermometer
- Chooseen infrared thermometer
- Braum Thermo Scan digital thermometer
- And ihealth no touch forehead thermometer
3. A Pulse Oximeters
You will most likely see this medical device in a hospital. However, that does not mean that the equipment is less important when you have it at home. Therefore, every homestead should have this important medical device. The role of this equipment is to monitor your oxygen concentration in the blood. What’s more this device is capable of detecting the smallest change in oxygen level. Remember, your body requires enough oxygen to carry out various bodily functions. For instance, during energy production oxygen is needed. So, without oxygen, your body cells would not survive.
Are There People That Can Benefit From This Medical Device?
Yes. If you have a history of the following medical conditions, then you will benefit from this equipment.
- Anemia
- Pneumonia
- Heart attack
- Asthma
- And congenital heart disease
How Does This Medical Device Work?
To use this medical device, you need to make sure that you don’t have jewelry and finger polish on your finger. Also, ensure that your hand is warm and relaxed. Thereafter, place it on your finger and give it time to take pulse and readings. Remember, the beams of light pass through your body to the amount of oxygen.
If the oxygen concentration is 95%, then you are ok. Anything less or more than this is dangerous and requires urgent medical attention.
4. A Weighing Scale
This is equipment that most people do not consider necessary to have at home. However, this equipment is as important just like other medical devices. So, this device can help you understand whether you are overweight or underweight. It is also convenient unlike going to the hospital just to check your weight.
Why is This Medical Device important?
Having the weighing scale at home has multiple benefits as far as your health is concerned. This is why might require this medical device:
It Can Help Control Your Weight
Obesity is a problem that many people are trying to fight. So, having the weighing scale at home will ensure that you can monitor your weight. Apart from checking your weight, the weighing scale can also help you plan your diet.
A weighing Scale is an intelligent System
This weigh scale is accurate and enables you to monitor your weight. On top of this, the weighing scale is user-friendly and affordable. It is a machine that does not require any form of training.
Conclusion
Medical devices can help you monitor yourself at home. The most commonly used medical devices at home include a blood glucose monitor, thermometer, pulse Oximeters, and weighing scale.
Electronic medical equipment that a health facility might require includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a holters monitor, an electronic medical record system, an infusion pump, and a ventilator.