Survey on the Number of Infusion Pumps and Syringe Pumps Owned by Medical Institutions with Clinical Engineers―A cross-sectional study with a questionnaire survey―

Introduction: A survey was conducted on the quantity of infusion pumps and syringe pumps owned by medical institutions employing clinical engineers, along with reference indices. Methods: The survey was carried out between April 15 and July 30, 2022. A total of 11 items were surveyed, including pump quantities. Medical institutions were categorized into hospitals and clinics, and the correlation with the number of units owned per bed was examined. Descriptive statistics served as reference indices. Results: The average number of pumps per bed was 0.39 for infusion pumps and 0.27 for syringe pumps, with the pump quantity rising in proportion to the number of beds. The most frequently utilized reference indices for determining the number of owned units were the operating ratio and the maximum number of units in use, in that sequence. However, there was variation in the calculation formula for the operating ratio among medical institutions. Conclusion: The quantity of infusion pumps and syringe pumps owned was ascertained using foundational data, which, for the first time, incorporated indicators beyond the operating ratio.