JCAHO Connection

Abstract

Editor's Note: AAMI members can pose questions to JCAHO standards experts and obtain official JCAHO responses, by e-mailing questions to Steve Campbell at scampbell@aami.org.Q. During our recent Joint Commission survey, an inconsistency in the way we perform daily defibrillator tests came to light. When staff members were asked whether we conduct the test with the unit plugged in or not plugged in, both answers were given. I later found out that our policy is to perform the test plugged in. When I asked why, I was told that both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the Joint Commission recommend it.Discussions with the OEM revealed that it in fact offers no recommendation on the issue, instead allowing each individual hospital to make its own determination. Another manufacturer I spoke with was of the opinion that because we would most likely use the unit unplugged, we should test it unplugged.I feel that defibrillator tests should be conducted unplugged. What does the Joint Commission have to say about this topic?A. Joint Commission standards do not specifically address the issue of how to test defibrillators. When testing medical equipment, we recommend that you simulate the actual conditions of use to the extent practical. Because in actual clinical situations defibrillators are generally used unplugged, we recommend that you test them unplugged. Make sure staff plug units back in after testing to maintain charge.Q. Is there a Joint Commission requirement or standard for testing oxygen and medical air flow meters used for routine respiratory therapy?A. Joint Commission standards do not specifically address this issue. Again, our expectation is that you develop a maintenance strategy for all medical equipment (including respiratory therapy equipment) that takes into account criteria such as manufacturer recommendations, risk levels, and hospital experience (see EC.6.10, EP 5).Reprinted with permission of Joint Commission Resources Inc. Environment of Care® News. For more information, visit JCR at http://www.jcrinc.com.