Application of Apriori algorithm in hospital equipment management

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of Apriori algorithm in hospital equipment management. Methods 60 large-scale medical devices and equipment used at our hospital from January, 2015 to October, 2017 were selected, and divided into a control group and an observation group according to different management methods. The control group was under general management, while the observation group was implemented Apriori algorithm of device management. The number of repair and maintenance cost were compared between these two groups. The clinical departments’ satisfaction to the equipment management department after the intervention was calculated. Results The number of repair and the maintenance cost were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group [(0.3±0.1) vs. (0.7±0.1) and (2 158.9±13.8) yuan vs. (3 869.6±25.6) yuan, both P<0.05]. After the intervention, The clinical departments’ satisfaction to the equipment management department was higher in the observation group than in the control group (83.3% vs. 33.3%, P<0.05). Conclusions Applying Apriori algorithm in the management of medical equipment can significantly improve the management efficiency, reduce the maintenance cost, and improve the satisfaction. Key words: Apriori algorithm; Hospital; Medical equipment management; Work efficiency