In most fields, redundancy is not optimal and can be deleterious. However, in fields such as healthcare redundancy is beneficial and arguably essential. It is imperative to not only have a Plan A, but also a Plan B, C, D... X, Y, Z.
As our center in rural Guatemala continues to mature, we have actively sought to incorporate redundancy to better care for our patients. This past year we have been blessed to add, among other items, the following:
a second iSTAT analyzer (the workhorse of our onsite laboratory)
a second Siemens CLINITEK Analyzer (point-of-care automated urinalysis)
a second maternal/fetal monitor
We now have back-up plans for our back-up plans. If one system fails, one piece of equipment malfunctions, we can seamlessly transition to our next option and continue to provide excellent care. We have suspenders to wear with our belts.
top photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/mlcastle/3151469713