Multicriteria decision analysis to support the acquisition of PCR equipment for the detection of COVID-19 in Colombia

Abstract

This study proposes a multicriteria analysis to prioritize equipment alternatives for processing RT-PCR tests to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus through nasopharyngeal swabbing. The Hierarchical Analysis Process (AHP) based on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was used to carry out this analysis. For its development, first, a literature review was carried out to identify the five criteria and twelve sub-criteria included that facilitate decision-making in purchasing equipment for the processing of RT-PCR tests; subsequently, the process of using the technology in a healthcare institution was characterized. The results revealed that clinical effectiveness and safety were the most relevant criteria in selecting the proposed technology. Two specific equipment were evaluated to test the usefulness of the multicriteria tool.