Hwata Chiedza, Gatera Omar, Ritsch Nicola, Uwiragiye Therese, Rushingabigwi Gerard, Twizere Celestin, Mukalinyigira Didacienne, Thomas Bolaji, Nsengiyera Daniel
African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things, University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology (UR CST), Kigali, Rwanda.
Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and E-Health, University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology (UR CST), Kigali, Rwanda.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Dec 27;103(52):e41179. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041179.
Accuracy and reliability of medical device measurements are essential for high-quality healthcare delivery. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is 1 of the conditions that can be monitored when managing electronic and wireless medical devices in hospitals. Noncompliance with EMC can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI), risking catastrophic failures, especially in vital sign devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers, and potentially irreversible harm to patients' health. This study assessed the knowledge of biomedical engineers and technicians regarding EMC and EMI in hospital devices and their effects. It also examines how hospitals manage biomedical equipment and the frequency of wireless communication usage. This study utilized an anonymous questionnaire administered to 35 biomedical personnel in Rwanda district hospitals. Face-to-face interviews were used for data collection. SPSS was used to analyze the data through descriptive analyses statistically, and a regression model was designed to evaluate the impact of electromagnetic compatibility and interference on medical device management (MDM). A statistical significance of 0.05 was assumed. The regression model predicted MDM with a significance level of 0.009 based on ANOVA values. A Pearson's correlation test was also performed for the model. The results indicated an inverse relationship of -0.470 for EMI against MDM and -0.469 for EMC against MDM. A total of 24 (68.6%) respondents were unaware of electromagnetic compatibility/interference issues and 11 (31.4%) were familiar with it. All 35 respondents indicated that maintenance is currently being performed on medical devices. High usage of wireless devices, for professional and personal purposes is highlighted. Based on the results, both electromagnetic compatibility and understanding of interference influenced MDM. To ensure optimal medical device performance and improve hospital safety, we recommend continuous monitoring of medical device electromagnetic compatibility. Additionally, EMC/EMI awareness training can be incorporated into on-the-job training programs for biomedical staff members.
医疗设备测量的准确性和可靠性对于高质量医疗服务至关重要。电磁兼容性（EMC）是医院管理电子和无线医疗设备时可监测的条件之一。不符合EMC可能导致电磁干扰（EMI），存在灾难性故障风险，尤其是在除颤器和起搏器等生命体征设备中，并可能对患者健康造成潜在的不可逆转的伤害。本研究评估了生物医学工程师和技术人员对医院设备中EMC和EMI及其影响的了解。它还考察了医院如何管理生物医学设备以及无线通信的使用频率。本研究采用了一份匿名问卷，对卢旺达地区医院的35名生物医学人员进行了调查。通过面对面访谈收集数据。使用SPSS通过描述性分析对数据进行统计分析，并设计了一个回归模型来评估电磁兼容性和干扰对医疗设备管理（MDM）的影响。假定统计显著性为0.05。基于方差分析值，回归模型以0.009的显著性水平预测MDM。还对该模型进行了皮尔逊相关性检验。结果表明，EMI与MDM的负相关系数为 -0.470，EMC与MDM的负相关系数为 -0.469。共有24名（68.6%）受访者不知道电磁兼容性/干扰问题，11名（31.4%）受访者熟悉该问题。所有35名受访者均表示目前正在对医疗设备进行维护。突出了无线设备在专业和个人用途上的高使用率。基于这些结果，电磁兼容性和对干扰的理解都影响了MDM。为确保医疗设备的最佳性能并提高医院安全性，我们建议持续监测医疗设备的电磁兼容性。此外，EMC/EMI意识培训可纳入生物医学工作人员的在职培训计划。
