7 Tips on How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Healthcare IT Investments
When you invest in healthcare technology, a key goal is always long-term value. In a care environment, technology needs more than just a one-time setup — it requires regular attention to keep up with the demands of patient care. As an IT professional, your responsibility is to keep systems running smoothly 24/7, minimize downtime, manage maintenance costs, and stay current with technological advances.
Whether you have a full IT team or a lean department, the following best practices can help keep your healthcare information technology (HIT) infrastructure performing at its best.
Touchscreens may be intuitive and convenient, but they’re also major touchpoints—literally. With constant use, they can become vectors for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Establish and enforce a regular cleaning protocol, ensuring all devices, including peripherals like keyboards and scanners, are disinfected properly. Not only does this protect patients and staff, but clean screens are also more responsive, helping providers work efficiently.
Tip: Verify that your cleaning agents are compatible with the device materials to avoid long-term damage.
In many healthcare settings, equipment may need to be moved—for cleaning, reorganization, or relocation. Before moving anything, measure the space to ensure clearance, especially for large devices like automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs). Handle cables, scanners, and accessories carefully to prevent stretching, pinching, or disconnection.
Once moved, ensure everything is correctly reconnected by a qualified technician. This proactive approach prevents avoidable downtime and keeps clinicians focused on patient care—not troubleshooting.
Preventive maintenance isn’t just best practice — it’s essential. Regular data backups protect against outages, and timely software updates close security gaps and add valuable features. Always test updates in a controlled environment to confirm compatibility with your current systems.
In addition, maintain a documented disaster recovery plan and consider scheduling annual equipment servicing to check for wear and ensure optimal function.
If equipment is uncomfortable or awkward to use, it can slow down care delivery. Make sure adjustable elements on workstations are functional, allowing clinicians to work ergonomically and efficiently.
Be mindful of external risks: other equipment might bump carts and damage screens or cables. And don’t underestimate patient or visitor tampering—whether it’s unplugging a cable to charge a phone or accidental tugging by a child, small disruptions can lead to big issues.
Ambient conditions matter more than many realize. Servers, data centers, and high-performance devices perform best in rooms kept between 68–75°F with controlled humidity. Most healthcare technology equipment also has recommended operating environment conditions. Check your equipment manuals for specific recommendations and adjust your environment accordingly.
Mobile medical carts are workhorses—powering critical tools and tech used throughout the day. But they often go under-maintained. During routine cleanings, dust buildup in power ports, vents, or power supplies and casters can reduce efficiency and lead to overheating. Take time to vacuum these areas and inspect cables for wear. Proactive care ensures better performance and avoids surprise failures.
Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Ensure staff are well-trained on HIT systems and empower them to report performance issues. Regularly monitor infrastructure for early signs of trouble so you can address them before they escalate.
Taking a proactive, holistic approach to HIT maintenance will extend the life of your equipment and safeguard your investment. If you're looking to simplify the process, TouchPoint’s preventive maintenance services can help take tasks off your plate—so you can focus on what matters most: supporting high-quality patient care.
Want to learn more? Reach out today to discover how our team can support your IT preventive maintenance needs.
