For the Duration: Tips on the Use and Maintenance of Durable Medical Equipment
From the humble thermometer to the blood glucose monitor to the portable oxygen
tank, nearly everyone has used a personal medical device at one time or another.
“But no matter how sophisticated or simple, it’s crucial to use and maintain durable medical equipment (DME) properly,” says Matt Johnson, Director of ChelseaCare Pharmacy. “Consult the manual, understand what the equipment does, get additional instruction if necessary and know who to call if something seems out of order.” Be Proactive The following advice applies to nearly any medical device you might use:
- Follow your doctor’s prescription. And always consult your physician before making a change.
- Ask questions. Don’t let health care professionals rush through a demonstration. If necessary, say, “Wait, I don’t understand.”
- Re-create the demonstration. After being instructed how to use a device, try it yourself in front of your provider, to ensure you understand.
- Teach your “support” people (family, friends, neighbors or hired aides) how to operate your equipment, in case you become unable to do so.
- Post the contact numbers of those to call if your equipment breaks down, your supplies run out or your health worsens.
- Recognize barriers to proper use. Is the owner’s manual in your language of choice? Is the print legible to you?
- Have backup supplies — medications, batteries, etc. — enough for 72 hours. Keep (untouched) emergency stocks (like orange juice for diabetic attacks).
- Plan ahead for traveling. Know the airline’s policy for bringing along your DME. Know whether you will find necessities at your destination.
- Forestall hazards of any kind with electrical devices. Again, follow the owner’s manual!
- Justify readings against how you’re actually feeling. If the numbers say one thing and your “gut” says otherwise, trust your gut — and get the device checked out right away.
DME Survival Guide
Heed these pointers for using specific DMEs:- Hypodermic needles. Dispose of these in an approved sharps container, or at least place them in a sealable container, such as a 2-liter soda bottle.
- Blood pressure monitors. On your next doctor’s visit, have someone ensure they’re properly calibrated. Do this as often as the manufacturer recommends.
- Nebulizers. Cleanliness is essential with these devices, used for asthma, emphysema and other lung diseases. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning/disinfecting.
- Asthma inhalers. Consider using a spacer if you have trouble “breathing in.”
- Oxygen machines. Nose pieces should be pliable, not hard, and free of nasal secretions. Keep “bubble bottles” filled with distilled water, making sure all tubing is intact and clean. Have a non-electrical backup oxygen source, in case of power failure. No smoking around any oxygen machine. Place signs on front and back entrances to your house indicating oxygen is in use. When traveling, never put an oxygen tank in a car trunk. Keep it in a well-ventilated place not exposed to extreme temperatures.
And no matter what device you use,
call your doctor if you have questions.
For more information on ChelseaCare
Home Medical Equipment, please call
Online Resources
Your health care provider is the best source of information
about how to purchase, set up, use and maintain your DME.
The following Web sites offer additional support:
- Advice on blood glucose meters can be found at the Web site of the American Diabetes Association at: www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/ blood-glucose-checks.jsp.
- Instructions on how to use a nebulizer are offered by InteliHealth, at www.intelihealth.com. Enter the word “nebulizer” in the search engine, then click on “How To Use Treatment And Monitoring Devices,” then on “How To Use A Nebulizer.” Or go to the following URL : www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/ WSIHW000/3457/22019/258701.html?d=dmtContent.
- A fact sheet on home oxygen therapy is downloadable as a PDF file from Wausau Hospital. Go to www.aspiruslibrary.org/ patient_ed/patient_edu.asp and enter the terms “home oxygen therapy” into the search engine.
- Instructions on how to check your own blood pressure are downloadable from the Ohio State University Medical Center. Go to http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/, click on “Search,” then enter the title “How To Check Your Own Blood Pressure” in the “Find Patient Education Materials” box. Then choose one of two links for the PDF of that title. This information also is available from the Women’s Heart Foundation, at: www.womensheartfoundation.org/content/ HeartWellness/bp_self-monitoring.asp.
