From the May 2018 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine

To maintain standardization, many departments limit the number of users that can add key data elements such as device type, equipment class or system, vendor, and model numbers. These fields drive many different reports in CMMS programs, and they are used for device recalls or for equipment replacement planning. Furthermore, all of your data elements need to be standardized for proper reporting on all metrics within the CMMS. For example, using proper coding on work orders to track PM failures or devices in use which will be used for your AEM and regulatory compliance monitoring, is key. Thus, many HTM departments identify one individual or a committee before entering new data elements into the CMMS, and this control ensures standardization and proper reporting.

Effectively using an advanced CMMS can assure that both compliance and safety are achieved
In the end, we see that adhering to regulatory compliance requirements, including for AEM, is essential for both minimizing equipment failure rates and for patient safety. Using an advanced CMMS, we can set the proper intervals and procedures, and use the reports and dashboards to monitor our adherence to our department policies that meet the needs of regulatory agencies: Federal, State, Medicare, the Joint Commission, or DNV. We can also use an advanced CMMS to move equipment into an AEM program with reports and dashboards ensuring that program eligibility as well as regulatory compliance are adhered to.

Finally, a standardized CMMS is essential for following our department policies, and for proper reporting of our department’s KPIs (key performance indicators). We can also gather timely information on these topics at AAMI 2018. Additionally, AAMI offers a new textbook titled, AEM Program Guide: Alternative PM for Patient Safety, written by Matthew F. Baretich, PE, Ph.D., which can provide additional guidance in developing your own AEM program.

About the author: Rich Sable has over 35 years professional HTM (healthcare technology management) experience in the hospital setting, and has degrees in both Biomedical Engineering and Information Technology and Management. He also is ACI (AAMI Credential Institute) certified as a CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician). Currently he is product manager at EQ2 LLC where he manages the customer experience and product planning for the company’s HEMS® CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).

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