An Indicator to Determine the Surplus or Deficit of the Medical Equipment in Critical Care Units

Abstract

The objective of this work was to develop an indicator to evaluate the availability of medical equipment located in four critical care areas of the Mexican Institute of Pediatrics. The indicator considers the demand and supply of medical equipment, and estimates its use from patients seen in the corresponding medical service. Given that we want to know if the medical equipment installed in the critical units is sufficient for patient care, the interpretation of the indicator result was made through two economic concepts: deficit and surplus. The indicator was applied to a sample of 38 medical equipment of seven type, and their results showed which equipment is sufficient and which has a deficit. This information is useful for the medical personnel and technical staff of the Electro-medicine Coordination of the Institute, in the identification of opportunity areas that allow improving the care of patients attended by the Institute.