At last week’s annual AAMI/FDA summit on ventilator technology, an emphasis was placed on the importance of standardizing the terms used to describe the technology as well as the urgent need for better training. The event is summarized in a news article on AAMI’s website.

According to AAMI, the first day of the conference focused on the problems related to inconsistent ventilator terminology, which “experts say results in compromised patient safety, a lack of comparative effectiveness data, and confusion over how to order and use various pieces of equipment.”

Throughout the event, training was pointed to as a key area for improvement in the management of ventilators. The need for ongoing training is underscored by the profusion of different ventilator types in use, but the costs and logistics of implementing training programs present a significant hurdle.

For more details on the event, visit the AAMI website.