Lesson 1Start-up procedure for a new patient: attaching leads/sensors, setting alarm limits, patient ID and demographicsThis part outlines the proper start-up process for a new patient, covering attachment of ECG, SpO2, NIBP, and temperature sensors, inputting patient ID and details, configuring alarm limits and profiles, and ensuring stable readings before use in clinical care.
Selecting the correct patient profileAttaching ECG, SpO2, NIBP, and temp sensorsEntering patient ID and demographicsSetting and confirming alarm limitsVerifying signal quality before monitoringHandover communication with clinical staffLesson 2Common faults and troubleshooting: monitor shutdowns, battery failures, display/firmware issues and basic corrective stepsThis part deals with typical monitor problems like sudden shutdowns, battery issues, display or keypad faults, and firmware glitches, offering structured fixing steps, safe user repairs, and guidelines for referring to biomedical engineers in local settings.
Monitor will not power on or rebootsBattery not charging or short runtimeDisplay, touchscreen, and keypad faultsECG, SpO2, or NIBP channel failuresFirmware freezes, errors, and updatesEscalation to biomedical engineeringLesson 3Preventive checks and functional tests: battery capacity test, NIBP cuff leak test, SpO2 sensor performance check, ECG lead impedance checkThis part explains regular functional tests to confirm monitor readiness, including battery checks, NIBP cuff leak and pressure tests, SpO2 sensor evaluations, and ECG lead impedance tests using in-built or external tools suitable for Zimbabwean facilities.
Battery runtime and capacity test methodsNIBP cuff leak and valve function checksSpO2 sensor accuracy and response testsECG lead impedance and continuity checksUsing internal self-tests and service menusRecording and interpreting test resultsLesson 4Clinical roles and typical measurement parameters (ECG/HR, SpO2, NIBP, RESP, temperature)This part reviews the roles of multiparameter monitors in clinics and describes common parameters like ECG, heart rate, SpO2, NIBP, breathing rate, and temperature, including normal values, clinical importance, and limits of each measurement in patient care.
Overview of multiparameter monitor functionsECG and heart rate: uses and limitationsSpO2 and pulse rate interpretationNIBP measurement cycles and artifactsRespiratory rate and apnea detectionCore and skin temperature monitoringLesson 5Pre-use preparation: power, battery check, lead/patient cable inspection, sensor calibration verificationThis part describes preparation steps before patient connection, including power and battery inspections, checking leads and cables for damage, verifying sensor calibration, and ensuring accessories suit the clinical needs in Zimbabwean hospitals.
Verifying mains power and battery statusInspecting leads, cables, and connectorsConfirming correct sensors and accessoriesChecking calibration labels and due datesConfiguring default profiles and layoutsDocumenting pre-use safety checksLesson 6Alarm management: alarm priorities, escalation workflows, adjusting limits safelyThis part covers safe handling of alarms, including priority levels, setting limits and delays, escalation processes, ways to cut down on alarm tiredness, and checking alarms fit the patient's condition in busy clinical environments.
Alarm priority levels and meaningsSetting patient-specific alarm limitsAdjusting alarm volumes and delaysAlarm escalation and response workflowsStrategies to reduce alarm fatigueTesting alarms after configurationLesson 7Daily and weekly maintenance: cleaning disinfection protocols, visual inspection, cable and connector checks, sensor functional testsThis part addresses daily and weekly upkeep tasks, such as cleaning and disinfecting casings and sensors, inspecting for damage, checking cables and connectors, and quick tests to spot early faults and keep devices reliable in local clinics.
Approved cleaning and disinfection agentsCleaning housings, screens, and sensorsDaily visual inspection for damageCable, connector, and strain relief checksQuick functional checks of key channelsWeekly review of accessories and sparesLesson 8Signal artefact troubleshooting: removing motion, poor contact, grounding and electrical interference checksThis part focuses on spotting and fixing signal issues from movement, bad electrode or sensor contact, poor grounding, and electrical noise, using waveform checks, repositioning leads, and systematic tests to restore clear monitoring signals.
Identifying motion artefacts on ECG and SpO2Correcting poor electrode and sensor contactChecking patient grounding and equipotential linksTracing mains and RF interference sourcesUsing monitor filters and notch settingsWhen to replace cables, leads, or sensorsLesson 9Documentation and reporting: logging preventive maintenance, incident reports, calibration records, device history trackingThis part outlines record-keeping for maintenance and incidents, including logging routine upkeep, noting failures and fixes, tracking calibration papers, and keeping device histories to aid safety, checks, and rules in Zimbabwean health systems.
Preventive maintenance log requirementsIncident and near-miss report contentRecording repairs and part replacementsManaging calibration records and labelsBuilding a device history fileUsing CMMS or digital tracking tools
