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General hospital and personal-use devices associated with adverse incidents Save


ICD-10 code: Y74

Chapter: External causes of morbidity and mortality

General Hospital and Personal-use Devices Associated with Adverse Incidents

General hospitals play a vital role in providing medical care and treatment to patients. However, along with the benefits of modern medical technology, come certain risks. Adverse incidents associated with personal-use devices are a common occurrence in hospitals. As such, it is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of these incidents and take necessary precautions to prevent them.

Personal-use devices such as blood glucose monitors, nebulizers, and home ventilators are commonly used in hospitals. While these devices are designed to provide effective treatment to patients, they can also pose a risk of adverse incidents such as infections, device malfunctions, and incorrect readings.

  1. Device Infection: Personal-use devices can become contaminated with bacteria or viruses, leading to infections in patients. Hospitals must ensure that these devices are properly cleaned and disinfected after each use to prevent the spread of infection.
  2. Device Malfunction: Personal-use devices can malfunction due to various reasons such as battery failure or software glitches. This can result in incorrect readings or improper treatment, which can be harmful to patients. Hospitals must have a system in place to regularly check and maintain these devices to ensure their proper functioning.
  3. Incorrect Readings: Personal-use devices such as blood glucose monitors can provide incorrect readings, leading to incorrect treatment decisions. This can be especially dangerous for patients with diabetes, whose treatment plans rely heavily on accurate blood glucose readings. Hospitals must ensure that these devices are calibrated correctly and that staff members are trained to use them correctly.

In conclusion, personal-use devices associated with adverse incidents are a common occurrence in hospitals. Healthcare providers must take necessary precautions to prevent these incidents and ensure that these devices are properly maintained, calibrated, and used. By doing so, hospitals can provide effective medical treatment to patients while minimizing the risk of adverse incidents.