loading page

TRIAL OF A MULTI-COMPONENT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF SELECTED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN A LOW-RESOURCE SETTING
  • +2
  • Chaminda JLP,
  • Dharmagunawardena PVDS,
  • Alexia Rohde,
  • Sanjeewa Kularatna,
  • Reece Hinchcliff
Chaminda JLP
Queensland University of Technology Centre for Healthcare Transformation

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Dharmagunawardena PVDS
Queensland University of Technology Centre for Healthcare Transformation
Author Profile
Alexia Rohde
Queensland University of Technology Centre for Healthcare Transformation
Author Profile
Sanjeewa Kularatna
Queensland University of Technology Centre for Healthcare Transformation
Author Profile
Reece Hinchcliff
Queensland University of Technology Centre for Healthcare Transformation
Author Profile

Abstract

Background: Medical equipment (ME) maintenance retains an asset’s original anticipated useful life and preserves its reliability and cost-effectiveness. This study developed and trialled a multi-component program to improve ME maintenance in nine Sri Lankan hospitals. Methods: This pre-post study involved an initial baseline assessment of existing ME maintenance systems in nine hospitals, the development and implementation of a multi-component improvement program, and a three-month post-evaluation. Five target ME were selected for the study: oxygen regulators, electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, suction apparatus, blood pressure (BP) apparatus and mini autoclaves. A validated questionnaire of randomly selected nursing officers (n=101) and healthcare assistants (n=120) was used to obtain baseline ME maintenance data. Six focus groups and 24 interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to co-design the multi-component interventions, which included: developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) targeting preventive maintenance activities; establishing focal points to provide technical and logistic support; staff training; and the introduction of institutional ME maintenance documents. Program effectiveness was assessed at three months post-implementation. Results: Baseline assessment identified no ME maintenance programs implemented in any of the hospitals. Following program implementation, improvements were noted in: the availability (p<0.05) and functional level (p<0.05) of all selected ME; equipment maintenance processes (p=0.000); as well as staff knowledge, skills, perceptions and satisfaction. Conclusions: The program improved the use and maintenance of ME and was widely supported by key stakeholders. The approach is likely relevant to other resource-poor hospital settings where inadequate ME maintenance causes health system inefficiencies.