Investigation of Anesthesia Equipment Checkout Procedures: Results of 25 Iowa Hospitals

摘要

The objective of the contract was to obtain state assistance in determining how, and under what conditions, checklists and checkout procedures are used by medical facilities for anesthesia gas delivery systems (AGDSs), the devices which monitor these machines, and patient monitors associated with the AGDS. In addition, information was gathered regarding testing and maintenance of these devices. The survey collected data from 25 of the 134 hospitals in the state with anesthesia capabilities. The report presents the data collected during the survey period. Summarized and discussed are the three areas of concern regarding user/facility procedures. The first concern is related to user performance. A number of studies have shown that the primary cause of preventable anesthesia related deaths is attributable to deficiencies in equipment use. A second concern is that operators have become dependent on various patient monitors and alarms which are used in conjunction with the AGDS machines--that these devices may not be included in calibration checks or other functional testing procedures prior to use. The third concern involves the testing and maintenance of medical devices by medical facilities.