Failing to properly maintain healthcare equipment and facilities can lead to citations, fines, malpractice lawsuits, and, tragically, loss of human life. Ensuring timely completion of equipment and facility maintenance procedures is critical for providing patients with the utmost care. CMMS/EAM software plays a 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 crucial in restoring a person’s heartbeat during emergencies. “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.
In addition to managing maintenance schedules and streamlining work orders, healthcare facilities benefit from a centralized database. Adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) is critical in medical centers. For instance, failing to follow proper procedures for equipment sanitation and cleaning could result in the spread of bacteria to patients. SOPs should be easily accessible to all relevant staff. The centralized database within CMMS software allows users to easily search for equipment and accompanying information, including purchase date, manufacturer’s recommendations, warranties, repair history, SOPs, and more.
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. Healthcare maintenance management software helps facilities keep equipment and facilities in peak condition while storing data such as SOPs, accessible at any time.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards. CMMS software stores detailed information needed to comply with governing agencies’ regulations. Data is organized and easily retrievable for reporting, audits, and inspections.
- Improve decision-making process regarding asset management. CMMS reporting features enable management to make informed decisions about equipment repair or replacement based on actual data. For instance, even if an asset has reached its estimated lifespan, effective maintenance practices could allow it to continue operating for years to come.
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 in healthcare maintenance management, contact DPSI today or sign up for a free software trial.
