Patients who require medical devices in order to ensure their safety must have assurances that those systems would not endanger their lives. Perhaps nowhere is this more important than with medical devices meant to be used in the home. Without a healthcare professional to monitor the device 24/7, patients must educate themselves on how to safely use these items. The Food and Drug Administration provides some tips on how to do just that.
Consumers should make sure that they have a deep understanding of the device instructions, and those instructions should be close at hand in the event that something goes wrong. Supplies, back-up plans, and emergency phone numbers should also be readily available in the event that something goes awry.
You also should keep in touch with your doctor at regular intervals. Get an evaluation of your condition during these appointments, and also ask about any changes in care that should be made in regards to the medical device.
Should any type of adverse event take place, seek medical care, but also get in touch with the maker of the device and the FDA. Such incidents could be a sign of a potential defect or some other safety issue.
Finally, make sure that you yourself are capable of the responsibility required of the medical device. Verify that you can conduct every possible function of the system, especially at such times that medication might make you drowsy or pose other side effects.