Incorporation of medical technologies

Abstract

During the incorporation stage of medical technology, it is quite common to health institutions the preoccupation about the initial value of the acquisition. However, there is a significant lack of knowledge of the effective cost of the equipment, as well as the impact a particular technology can have to the institution. During the incorporation phase of a medical technology it is of fundamental importance to take into account all different variables to avoid non foreseen operating costs, constant and expensive maintenance, technology obsolescence in short time and harm to patient's health. The article presents an example of how the overlooking of just some parameters of the total cost ownership process, which is part of the incorporation process, can deeply affect the expenditure of a health institution. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.