What is the outcome of ineffective preventive maintenance?

Ineffective preventive maintenance leads directly to an increased risk of equipment failure and potential patient safety concerns. This is because regular checks and servicing of medical equipment are essential to ensure they operate within manufacturer specifications and function reliably. When preventive maintenance is neglected, devices may wear out more quickly, malfunction, or become unsafe to use, thus compromising not only their effectiveness but also the safety of patients who rely on these medical devices for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

In contrast, options like extended device lifespan or enhanced user satisfaction would typically result from effective preventive maintenance, as would cost-effective repairs, which tend to arise from identifying and addressing issues before they escalate. Therefore, failing to maintain equipment properly creates a scenario where equipment is more prone to failures, jeopardizing patient health and safety.