ABSTRACT

Medical equipment is an indispensable part of healthcare. Technological advances continue to increase its capability and safety and improve patient care. These advances are also having wider consequences. The total cost of most organisations’ medical equipment is increasing quickly, as are the clinical and financial impacts of device failure or operator error. Concerns over return on investment and value for money have affected attitudes towards equipment procurement and expanding government regulation, with clinical and safety targets and reduced public tolerance of adverse incidents leading to a greater awareness of equipment-associated risks amongst clinical staff, managers, patients and the public. Government policies, professional bodies, risk managers and insurers all demand that medical devices are actively managed throughout their lifetime, from purchase to disposal. One of our intentions in writing this book is to raise awareness of the importance of medical equipment management and encourage the active and informed participation of all healthcare staff in improving the way equipment is purchased, used and cared for.