PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to present a remarkable medical equipment-induced adverse event and to suggest ways to prevent similar problems. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This paper uses a case study to discuss when it is necessary to renew medical equipment. FINDINGS: The paper finds that repairing medical equipment using inappropriate parts causes severe iatrogenic problems. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Events like this may be underestimated because well-organized reporting strategies in health care units are inappropriate. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Defining expiry dates for medical equipment may prevent unsatisfactory repair, especially when original parts are unavailable. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper highlights the fact that simple errors cause severe patient injuries.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to present a remarkable medical equipment-induced adverse event and to suggest ways to prevent similar problems. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This paper uses a case study to discuss when it is necessary to renew medical equipment. FINDINGS: The paper finds that repairing medical equipment using inappropriate parts causes severe iatrogenic problems. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Events like this may be underestimated because well-organized reporting strategies in health care units are inappropriate. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Defining expiry dates for medical equipment may prevent unsatisfactory repair, especially when original parts are unavailable. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper highlights the fact that simple errors cause severe patientinjuries.