Using medical equipment at home is in practice, especially in developing countries like U.S. Generally, these equipment are used only after taking suggestion from the doctor. If a patient can recover fast in familiar environment, then doctors suggest home equipment like infusion pumps, etc.
Benefits of using medical equipment
Technology has improved, as many of us take medicines by taking suggestions on phones by doctor, service providers will personally explain how to use the equipment at home.
Traveling time is reduced – Visiting hospital every now and then is time consuming and very expensive. It may also lead to decline in medical condition sometimes.
Special care – Home medical equipment are flexible to use, so the patients condition can be improved by using home medical equipment, and special care is given by care takers at home.
Ensures free from infections – Medical equipment that are used in hospitals have chances of spreading infection from one person to another in hospitals. But this is not the case when medical equipment are used at, it reduces infection and ensures speedy recovery.
Some of the equipment that are used at home are air ionizers, infusion pumps, diabetic shoes, oxygen concentrator, wheel chair, etc.
Air ionizers – This equipment attracts particles present in air and make your home free of infections when patients are at home.
Nasal cannula (small tubes) – They are used when patients do not get enough oxygen.
Oxygen concentrators – They provide sufficient amount of oxygen to patients who have breathing problem.
Diabetic shoes – People with diabetes can get affected with skin issues like skin ulcers at foot regions. So to prevent from infections, doctors advice diabetic shoes.
Wheel chairs – Patients who have undergone surgery on legs, cannot walk on their own due to paralysis and cannot stand on their own for a long time, and for patients who are devoid of legs are suggested to use wheel chairs.
Precautions to be taken while using home medical equipment
Proper usage of equipment – Caretakers should be clear enough about the usage of the equipment. Before buying home medical device, check for best quality equipment available in the market and get it insured. Because it is away from the doctor’s supervision.
Maintain hygienic conditions – Before handling medical equipment, clean hands with sanitizers to prevent contamination. Also wash hands after its usage. Maintain clean environment around patients.
Home medical equipment are gaining popularity in today’s world due to awareness about its usage. They give positive results for people seeking homely environment. Take guidance of doctor before using any medical equipment.