MULTICRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS: A MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT

Ilya Ivlev,Peter Kneppo,Miroslav Bartak

doi:10.3846/20294913.2014.943333

Abstract

Selecting medical equipment is a complex multidisciplinary task requiring mathematical tools, considering associated uncertainties. This paper offers an in-depth study of multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods to identify the most appropriate ones for performing management tasks in resource-limited settings. The chosen articles were divided into three topics: evaluation of projects and equipment, selection of projects and equipment, and development of medical devices. Three methods (analytic hierarchy process [AHP], multi-attribute utility theory and elimination and choice expressing reality) were selected for detailed analyses of their application for medical equipment management. Twenty-one work using MCDA, artificial neural networks, human factors engineering, and value analysis were analysed in the framework of medical equipment management. The important aspects of the procedure were described, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. It was determined that the AHP approach corresponds to all defined criteria for selecting large medical equipment. Managing large medical equipment using MCDA will reduce uncertainties, and provide a rational selection and purchase of the most efficient equipment in resource-limited settings. The direction for improving the AHP method was determined.

Highlights

Technological progress and innovation are generally considered to be the main drivers of economic growth in advanced economies
The purpose of this paper is to identify multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods which can be applied to the task of medical equipment selection
Sloane (2004) described a framework to evaluate maintenance service modalities for medical equipment within the decision support system based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Summary

Introduction

Technological progress and innovation are generally considered to be the main drivers of economic growth in advanced economies. It is commonly considered to explain the surge in health expenditures in recent decades (Willemé, Dumont 2013). Health spending in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries grew on average by close to 5% year-on-year from 2000 to 2009; this has since been followed by a sluggish growth of around 0.5% in 2010 and 2011. Current expenditure on health (i.e. excluding capital expenditure) grew by 0.7% in both years. Health spending accounted for 9.3% of GDP on average across OECD countries in 2011, compared with 9.5% in 2010. Current expenditure on health as a share of GDP dropped from 9.1% on average in 2010 to 9.0% in 2011 (OECD 2013)

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