<p>The UK’s National Health Service (NHS), now in its sixth decade, has seen rapid advances in medical devices used in the diagnosis, therapy and treatment of patients. Recent advances in medical technology have made it difficult for health professionals, including nursing staff and clinicians, to understand and properly operate medical equipment (Hooper et al 1993). The term medical device or equipment is generic, with examples including infusion devices, patient monitors, wheelchairs and surgical instruments. The quantity and complexity of devices continue to increase, which in turn leads to a rise in the potential risk.</p>