Failing to take proper care of healthcare equipment and facilities can lead to citations, fines, malpractice lawsuits and, unfortunately, loss of human life. Ensuring equipment and facility maintenance procedures are completed in a timely manner is critical for providing patients with the utmost care. CMMS/EAM software can play an extremely vital role in healthcare maintenance management.
A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or enterprise asset management (EAM) software gives healthcare organizations the ability to streamline all assets, equipment, facilities, spare parts, procedures, schedules and more. Unplanned outages are far less likely to occur as a result of well-maintained equipment. Enhancing the reliability of critical assets helps ensure patients receive the treatment they need when they need it.
For example, defibrillators are used to restore a person’s heartbeat in emergency situations. “Like any machine, automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, need to be maintained,” according to an article shared by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. The article went on to state that batteries run down and electrode pads that attach to a patient’s chest deteriorate over time, making it necessary to replace these parts on a regular basis. CMMS software can track maintenance schedules for defibrillators, send an alert when battery or electrode pad replacements are due, and automatically issue work orders to carry out these tasks.
Aside from using a CMMS to manage maintenance schedules and streamline work orders, healthcare facilities also benefit from the centralized database. Adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) is extremely important in medical centers. Failing to follow the proper procedures related to equipment sanitation and cleaning, for example, could result in the spread of bacteria to patients. SOPs such as these should be easily accessible to all relevant staff. The centralized database within CMMS software provides users with the ability to easily search for equipment and accompanying information. Details such as purchase date, manufacturer’s recommendations, warranties, repair history, SOPs and more can be stored for each piece of equipment.
DPSI’s CMMS for healthcare facilities provides the tools needed to maintain all facets of a healthcare facility, from hospital beds and heart monitors to furnaces and parking lots.
Benefits of our CMMS/EAM software for healthcare maintenance management include:
- Transform maintenance strategy from reactive to proactive. CMMS software enables preventive maintenance scheduling and stores all relevant data, so maintenance isn’t simply reacting to equipment failures and making asset management decisions without any data.
- Enhance reliability and overall safety. When equipment malfunctions or SOPs aren’t followed, accidents are more likely to occur. Maintenance management software helps healthcare facilities keep equipment and facilities in peak operating condition in addition to storing data such as SOPs, which can be accessed at any time.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards. CMMS software stores detailed information needed to comply with governing agencies’ regulations. Data is organized and can be easily retrieved for reporting purposes, audits and inspections.
- Improve decision-making process regarding asset management. CMMS reporting features enable management to make decisions relating to equipment repair or replacement based on actual data. Although an asset may have reached its estimated lifespan, for example, it could continue operating for years to come as a result of effective maintenance practices.
There are many other advantages and capabilities of CMMS/EAM systems. To learn more about how our products and services can help healthcare facilities succeed, contact DPSI today or sign up for a free software trial.
