Do's and Don'ts for Healthcare Devices at Home
Healthcare devices at home are a big favor to people with health conditions nowadays. With these devices, there are more chances for patients to monitor their health and take care of themselves. However, these things aren’t as easy to use as regular home appliances. These are actual medical devices that can help or save someone’s life. This means you need to take care of it and adhere to the recommended use, whether you’re the actual patient or the caregiver.
What are medical or healthcare devices used at home?
Several medical or healthcare devices are commonly used at home for several reasons. They are either used to monitor health, manage chronic conditions, improve lifestyle and fitness, or provide essential care no matter the time of the day. They can range from simple devices to more advanced or complex machines.
Here are some examples of home healthcare devices:
- Blood Pressure Monitors - These devices measure blood pressure and are frequently used by individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions.
- Glucose Monitors - People with diabetes use glucose meters to measure their blood sugar levels. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time data.
- Thermometers - Digital thermometers are used to easily measure body temperature. These are vital for monitoring fever and other signs of illness, which makes them essential across households and homes.
- Pulse Oximeters - These devices are used to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood. They are commonly used by individuals with respiratory conditions.
- Nebulizers - Nebulizers are used to convert liquid medication into a mist. This makes it easier for individuals with certain respiratory issues or conditions to inhale the medication.
- Home Ventilators - Some individuals with severe respiratory conditions may use home ventilators to assist with breathing.
- CPAP/BiPAP Machines - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines are used to treat sleep apnea. They provide a continuous flow of air and keep the airways open during sleep.
- Home Hemodialysis Machines - In some cases, individuals with kidney failure may have hemodialysis machines for home use.
- Medical Alert Systems - These systems typically include a wearable device and a base station. They allow individuals with certain medical conditions to call for help in case of emergencies, especially when they live alone.
- EKG/ECG Monitors - Portable electrocardiogram monitors can be used to record the electrical activity of the heart at home.
- Weight Scales - Digital scales can help individuals monitor changes in body weight. This can be important for various health conditions and physical fitness journeys.
- Compression Stockings - While compression stockings are not technically machines, they are used for healthcare at home. These are often recommended for individuals with circulatory issues to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling.
- Telehealth Devices - With the increasing popularity of telehealth, healthcare devices like digital stethoscopes and otoscopes allow individuals to capture and share medical data remotely with healthcare professionals.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - These are medical equipment usually worn by medical professionals, patients, industrial workers, and more to minimize exposure to hazards, contaminations, and serious illnesses.
- Personal Healthcare Devices - Of course, there are also personal healthcare devices that help people personally monitor their health and fitness, with or without underlying health conditions. These devices mostly come as wearable technology or built-in technology in mobile devices.
It's also important to note that the use of most of these healthcare devices at home should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are crucial for the proper management of certain health conditions as well.
What to do when getting healthcare devices at home
When acquiring or using healthcare devices for home use, it's crucial to follow certain dos and don'ts to ensure their safe and effective use. Whether you’re the patient in need of these devices, or you’re a family member who provides care for those with health conditions, you must know what to do with these devices.
Here are some of the important do’s for healthcare devices at home:
#1 Consult with a Healthcare Professional
Before purchasing any healthcare device or machine, it’s recommended to consult with your healthcare provider. They can recommend the most suitable device based on your health condition and provide guidance on proper usage tailored to your needs.
#2 Do Your Research
Apart from consulting with a healthcare professional, you also need to do proper research. Being uninformed might lead to unreliable equipment or inappropriate devices for the actual condition of the patient. Doing proper research can save you time and reduce risks.
#3 Learn How To Use the Equipment and Follow Instructions
Learning how to use healthcare devices is also essential and a must-do. Read and understand the user manual or instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow the recommended guidelines for setup, maintenance, and usage to ensure the device functions correctly and safely.
#4 Perform Regular Maintenance and Calibration
Make sure to also adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Regularly calibrate and check the accuracy of healthcare devices like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and thermometers to ensure reliable and accurate results.
#5 Keep Healthcare Devices Clean
Keeping these devices clean is also a must. Follow proper cleaning and sterilization procedures as instructed by the manufacturer. Regularly clean surfaces that come in contact with the body or bodily fluids to prevent infections and maintain device efficacy.
#6 Keep Batteries Charged or Replaced
Ensure that devices with batteries are adequately charged, or replace batteries according to the recommendations. This is crucial for the uninterrupted functioning of devices like pulse oximeters or digital thermometers.
#7 Store Devices Properly
Make sure to also store healthcare devices in a clean, dry, and secure place. Protect them from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. Proper storage helps prolong the lifespan of the devices and ensure effective use for patients.
#8 Understand Normal Ranges
Familiarize yourself with normal ranges for measurements such as blood pressure, blood glucose, or oxygen saturation. Understanding these values enables you to identify abnormal readings and seek timely medical attention for patients.
#9 Seek Professional Assistance
If you encounter any issues with the device or are unsure about its usage, seek assistance from a healthcare professional or the device's customer support. Attempting to repair or modify the device yourself might lead to further complications.
What not to do when getting healthcare devices at home
On the other hand, there are also things not recommended when you have or are getting healthcare devices to be used at home. It’s crucial to pay extra attention to these things, as it can help keep yourself or the actual patients safe.
#1 Don’t Self-Diagnose or Self-Treat
Relying solely on healthcare devices for self-diagnosis or self-treatment is not a good thing. Interpretation of results should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional who can provide accurate assessments and appropriate recommendations.
#2 Don’t Ignore Warning Signs or Abnormal Results
Don’t disregard warning signs or abnormal readings from healthcare devices. If you notice unexpected or concerning results, contact your healthcare provider or the manufacturer promptly for further evaluation and guidance.
#3 Don’t Buy Sensational Medical Devices
Sham medical devices with sensational claims or miraculous yet illogical promises are also a big no. These should be avoided at all costs, as they may compromise health instead of safeguarding patients. In 2020, there was a rise in counterfeit and dubious medical devices due to the spread of coronavirus. They highlight a safety issue and can increase panic or dilemma among people.
#4 Don’t Share Devices Without Proper Cleaning
Sharing healthcare devices among others without proper cleaning and disinfection should also be frowned upon. This is especially crucial for healthcare devices that come in direct contact with the body or bodily fluids.
#5 Don’t Use Expired or Damaged Devices
Never use devices that have expired or are damaged. Check the expiration dates and inspect the devices for any signs of wear or malfunction. Using outdated or damaged devices may compromise their accuracy and safety for patients.
#6 Don’t Disregard Professional Advice or Prescribed Medical Treatment
And of course, you must not disregard device instructions provided by healthcare professionals as well as the prescribed medical treatment. Remember that some of these devices are not meant to replace any other treatment or medication. Just follow specific recommendations and continue with prescriptions.
Remember these do’s and don’ts the next time you have a healthcare device. These safety precautions, reminders, or instructions can help individuals stay safe and maximize the use of their healthcare devices.
Getting Personal Healthcare Devices
Personal healthcare devices, of course, are getting easier and more accessible in the modern world. Now, people have the chance to monitor and manage their health with advanced technology.
For example, SOLUM Group has brought forth biosensor technology in true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. The SOLUM EarX can provide a fitness and healthcare experience for its users, along with a smart fitness mobile app.
The EarX is equipped with:
- An immersive audio driver
- Real-time heart rate PPG sensor
- Body temperature sensor
- A 3-axis accelerometer for activity and posture recognition
- Professional Sound with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- A real-time voice coach for fitness and workout sessions
A healthcare device like SOLUM EarX can elevate lifestyles and help users monitor their health. Whether the user is a fitness fanatic, an athlete or sports professional, or someone concerned about their health, EarX is here to enhance well-being.
Ready to use this healthcare device at home? Talk to SOLUM Group experts today and start your journey toward personal fitness and lifestyle.
Vifaa vya afya vya nyumbani ni faida kubwa kwa watu wenye hali ya afya leo. Kwa kutumia vifaa hivi, wagonjwa wana nafasi zaidi ya kufuatilia afya yao na kujitunza. Hata hivyo, vitu hivi si rahisi kutumia kama vifaa vya kawaida vya nyumbani. Hizi ni vifaa halisi vya kitiba vinavyoweza kusaidia au kuokoa maisha ya mtu. Hii inamaanisha unahitaji kuitunza na kufuata matumizi yaliyopendekezwa, iwe wewe ni mgonjwa halisi au mtoa huduma. Ni vifaa gani vya matibabu au huduma za afya vinavyotumiwa nyumbani? Vifaa kadhaa vya matibabu au huduma za afya hutumiwa kwa kawaida nyumbani kwa sababu kadhaa. Hizi hutumiwa kufuatilia afya, kusimamia hali za muda mrefu, kuboresha mtindo wa maisha na fitness, au kutoa huduma muhimu bila kujali wakati wa siku. Zinaweza kuwa vifaa sahili hadi mashine zenye hali ya juu au tata zaidi. Vifaa vya matibabu ya nyumbani: Vifaa vya kupima shinikizo la damu - Vifaa hivi hupima shinikizo la damu na hutumiwa mara nyingi na watu wenye shinikizo la damu au hali ya moyo. - Vipimaji vya sukari - Watu wenye kisukari hutumia vipimaji vya sukari kupima viwango vya sukari ya damu. Vifaa vya kudhibiti sukari (CGMs) vinaweza kugundua kiwango cha sukari kwa muda halisi. - Thermometers - Thermometers digital hutumiwa kupima kwa urahisi joto la mwili. Vifaa hivyo ni muhimu kwa ajili ya kufuatilia homa na dalili nyingine za ugonjwa, na hivyo ni muhimu katika nyumba zote. - Pulse Oximeters - Vifaa hivi hutumiwa kupima kiasi cha oksijeni katika damu. Kwa kawaida hutumiwa na watu walio na matatizo ya kupumua. - Nebulizers - Nebulizers hutumiwa kubadilisha dawa kioevu kuwa ukungu. Hii inafanya iwe rahisi kwa watu wenye matatizo fulani ya kupumua au hali ya kupumua kupumua dawa. - Vifaa vya kupumua nyumbani - Watu fulani walio na matatizo makubwa ya kupumua wanaweza kutumia vifaa vya kupumua nyumbani ili kusaidia kupumua. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) ni njia ya kupumua ya kawaida ya kupumua. Hutoa mtiririko wa hewa kwa kuendelea na kuweka njia za kupumua wazi wakati wa usingizi. - Mashine za Hemodialysis za Nyumbani - Katika visa fulani, watu wenye kushindwa kwa figo wanaweza kuwa na mashine za hemodialysis za kutumiwa nyumbani. - Medical Alert Systems - Mifumo hii kwa kawaida ni pamoja na kifaa wearable na kituo cha msingi. Hizi huruhusu watu wenye matatizo fulani ya afya kuomba msaada katika hali za dharura, hasa wanapokuwa peke yao. Vifaa vya EKG vinaweza kutumika kwa ajili ya kurekodi utendaji wa umeme wa moyo nyumbani. - Vipimo vya Uzito - Vipimo vya dijiti vinaweza kuwasaidia watu kufuatilia mabadiliko ya uzito wa mwili. Hii inaweza kuwa muhimu kwa hali mbalimbali za afya na safari za mazoezi ya mwili. - Compression Stockings - Wakati compression stockings si mashine kiufundi, wao ni kutumika kwa ajili ya huduma ya afya nyumbani. Mara nyingi hizo hupendekezwa kwa watu walio na matatizo ya mzunguko wa damu ili kuzuia kuganda kwa damu na kupunguza uvimbe. Kwa sababu ya kuongezeka kwa upendeleo wa teleheleth, vifaa vya huduma za afya kama stethoscopes za dijiti na otoscopes huruhusu watu binafsi kukamata na kushiriki data za matibabu kwa mbali na wataalamu wa huduma za afya. Vifaa vya kujilinda vya kibinafsi (PPE) ni vifaa vya matibabu vinavyotumiwa na wataalamu wa matibabu, wagonjwa, wafanyakazi wa viwanda, na wengineo kupunguza kuambukizwa hatari, uchafuzi, na magonjwa mazito. Vifaa vya kibinafsi vya huduma za afya - Kwa kweli, kuna vifaa vya kibinafsi vya huduma za afya ambavyo husaidia watu kufuatilia afya na afya yao, na au bila hali za msingi za afya. Vifaa hivi hasa kuja kama teknolojia wearable au kujengwa katika teknolojia katika vifaa vya mkononi. Ni muhimu pia kutambua kwamba matumizi ya vifaa hivi vya huduma za afya nyumbani yanapaswa kufanywa chini ya mwongozo wa mtaalamu wa huduma za afya. Ufuatiliaji wa mara kwa mara na watoa huduma za afya ni muhimu kwa usimamizi sahihi wa hali fulani za afya pia. Wakati wa kununua au kutumia vifaa vya huduma za afya kwa matumizi ya nyumbani, ni muhimu kufuata baadhi ya do's na don'ts kuhakikisha matumizi yao salama na ya ufanisi. Kama wewe ni mgonjwa katika haja ya vifaa hivi, au wewe ni mwanachama wa familia ambaye hutoa huduma kwa wale na hali ya afya, lazima kujua nini cha kufanya na vifaa hivi. Hapa ni baadhi ya mambo muhimu ya kufanya kwa vifaa vya huduma za afya nyumbani: 1 Ushauri na Mtaalamu wa Huduma za Afya Kabla ya kununua kifaa chochote cha huduma za afya au mashine, inashauriwa kushauriana na mtoa huduma yako ya afya. Wanaweza kupendekeza kifaa kinachofaa zaidi kulingana na hali yako ya afya na kutoa mwongozo juu ya matumizi sahihi yaliyoboreshwa kwa mahitaji yako. # 2 Fanya utafiti: Mbali na kushauriana na mtaalamu wa afya, unahitaji pia kufanya utafiti sahihi. Kutokuwa na habari kunaweza kusababisha vifaa visivyoaminika au vifaa visivyofaa kwa hali halisi ya mgonjwa. Kufanya utafiti unaofaa kunaweza kukuokoa wakati na kupunguza hatari. # 3 Jifunze jinsi ya kutumia vifaa na fuata maelekezo Jifunze jinsi ya kutumia vifaa vya huduma ya afya pia ni muhimu na lazima ufanye. Soma na kuelewa mwongozo wa mtumiaji au maelekezo yanayotolewa na mtengenezaji. Fuata miongozo iliyopendekezwa kwa ajili ya kuanzisha, matengenezo, na matumizi ya kuhakikisha kifaa kazi kwa usahihi na salama. # 4 Fanya matengenezo ya kawaida na usahihi: Hakikisha pia kufuata ratiba ya matengenezo iliyopendekezwa na mtengenezaji. Kwa kawaida, jaribu kukadiria na kuangalia usahihi wa vifaa vya huduma za afya kama vile vipimaji vya shinikizo la damu, vipimaji vya sukari, na vipimaji vya joto ili kuhakikisha matokeo ya kuaminika na sahihi. # 5 Uwe na vifaa vya afya safi Fuata taratibu sahihi za kusafisha na kutakasa kama ilivyoagizwa na mtengenezaji. Kusafisha kwa ukawaida nyuso zinazogusa mwili au umajimaji wa mwili ili kuzuia maambukizo na kudumisha ufanisi wa kifaa. Kuhifadhi betri za umeme: Hakikisha vifaa vyako vya umeme vimewekwa na betri za kutosha au vimebadilishwa kulingana na mapendekezo. Hii ni muhimu kwa ajili ya kazi uninterrupted ya vifaa kama vile pulse oximeters au thermometers digital. Kuhifadhi vifaa vya afya kwa njia sahihi: Uhakikishe kuwa vifaa vya afya vimehifadhiwa mahali safi, kavu na salama. Walinde dhidi ya halijoto kali, unyevu, na jua moja kwa moja. Uhifadhi sahihi husaidia kupanua maisha ya vifaa na kuhakikisha matumizi ya ufanisi kwa wagonjwa. # 8 Fahamu Vipimo vya kawaida Jifunze vipimo vya kawaida kama vile shinikizo la damu, sukari ya damu, au usumbufu wa oksijeni. Kuelewa maadili haya kunakuwezesha kutambua masomo yasiyo ya kawaida na kutafuta matibabu ya haraka kwa wagonjwa. # 9 Tafuta msaada wa kitaalamu Ikiwa unakabiliwa na shida yoyote na kifaa au hauna uhakika juu ya matumizi yake, tafuta msaada kutoka kwa mtaalamu wa huduma ya afya au msaada wa wateja wa kifaa. Kujaribu kurekebisha au kurekebisha kifaa hicho mwenyewe kunaweza kusababisha matatizo zaidi. Vitu vya kutofanya wakati wa kupata vifaa vya huduma za afya nyumbani - Vitu vya kutofanya wakati wa kupata vifaa vya huduma za afya nyumbani Ni muhimu kuzingatia mambo haya, kwani inaweza kusaidia kujilinda mwenyewe au wagonjwa halisi. # 1 Usijitambulishe au kujitibu Kutegemea tu vifaa vya huduma za afya kwa utambuzi wa kibinafsi au matibabu ya kibinafsi si jambo zuri. Tafsiri ya matokeo inapaswa kufanywa kwa kushauriana na mtaalamu wa huduma ya afya ambaye anaweza kutoa tathmini sahihi na mapendekezo sahihi. # 2 Usipuuze ishara za onyo au matokeo ya kawaida Usipuuze ishara za onyo au usomaji wa kawaida kutoka kwa vifaa vya huduma ya afya. Ikiwa utaona matokeo yasiyotarajiwa au yanayohusu, wasiliana na mtoa huduma yako ya afya au mtengenezaji mara moja kwa tathmini zaidi na mwongozo. # 3 Usinunue Vifaa vya Matibabu vya Sensational Vifaa vya matibabu vya udanganyifu na madai ya sensational au ahadi za miujiza lakini zisizo za busara pia ni hapana kubwa. Hizi zapasa kuepukwa kwa gharama yoyote, kwa kuwa zinaweza kuhatarisha afya badala ya kulinda wagonjwa. Mwaka 2020 kulikuwa na ongezeko la vifaa vya matibabu bandia na vya kutiliwa shaka kutokana na kuenea kwa coronavirus. Zinaonyesha tatizo la usalama na zinaweza kuongeza hofu au matatizo miongoni mwa watu. # 4 Usishiriki Vifaa Bila Usafi wa Haki Kushiriki vifaa vya huduma za afya kati ya wengine bila usafi na disinfection sahihi pia inapaswa kupuuzwa. Hii ni muhimu hasa kwa vifaa vya huduma za afya ambavyo huja kwa mawasiliano ya moja kwa moja na mwili au umajimaji wa mwili. # 5 Usitumie vifaa vilivyopitwa na wakati au vilivyoharibiwa Angalia tarehe za mwisho na angalia vifaa kwa ishara yoyote ya kuvaa au kutofanya kazi vizuri. Kutumia vifaa vilivyopitwa na wakati au vilivyoharibiwa kunaweza kuharibu usahihi na usalama wa wagonjwa. Usipuuze ushauri wa wataalamu au matibabu yaliyopendekezwa Na bila shaka, hupaswi kupuuza maagizo ya kifaa yaliyotolewa na wataalamu wa huduma za afya na pia matibabu yaliyopendekezwa. Kumbuka kwamba baadhi ya vifaa hivi havina kusudi la kuchukua mahali pa matibabu au dawa nyingine yoyote. Fuata tu mapendekezo maalum na uendelee na maagizo. Kumbuka hizi do's na don'ts mara ijayo una kifaa cha huduma ya afya. Hizi tahadhari za usalama, vikumbusho, au maelekezo yanaweza kusaidia watu binafsi kukaa salama na kuongeza matumizi ya vifaa vya huduma zao za afya. Vifaa vya huduma za afya vya kibinafsi (PHE) ni vifaa vya afya vya kibinafsi ambavyo vimekuwa rahisi zaidi na vinavyoweza kupatikana katika ulimwengu wa kisasa. Sasa, watu wana nafasi ya kufuatilia na kusimamia afya yao kwa teknolojia ya hali ya juu. Kwa mfano, SOLUM Group imetoa teknolojia ya biosensor katika earbuds ya kweli ya wireless stereo (TWS). Solum EarX inaweza kutoa uzoefu wa mazoezi ya mwili na huduma za afya kwa watumiaji wake, pamoja na programu ya simu ya akili ya mazoezi ya mwili. Mfumo wa sauti wa sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti ya sauti. Ikiwa mtumiaji ni mpenzi wa mazoezi ya mwili, mwanariadha au mtaalamu wa michezo, au mtu anayejali afya yake, EarX iko hapa ili kuongeza ustawi. Je, uko tayari kutumia kifaa hiki cha utunzaji wa afya nyumbani? Wasiliana na wataalamu wa SOLUM Group leo na uanze safari yako kuelekea fitness ya kibinafsi na mtindo wa maisha.