Clinical engineering methodology applied in the Tucuman´s public health system: first results for X-ray service

A methodology to be applied by the Electromedicine Department of the Public Health System of Tucuman (DEM) is presented to evaluate medium and high complexity Medical Technologies in the province. Based on a previous diagnose, a documentation system was developed to register, upgrade and systematize the clinical engineering procedures in the DEM. Existent procedures were optimized plus the development of new ones. Besides, a training program for technicians and operators was generated. Finally, a set of indicators were adopted to monitor the evolution of the applied method. Up to now, after six months, the model allowed to decide that 17% of the equipment should be considered for replacement and only 53% should be assisted by DEM. Of the latter, 52% has high priority. DEM assists mainly the X-ray service because of the high impact in our public health system. The methodology applied, in this service, allows to monitor some indicators such as operability (72-83%), number of responses (increased 33%), preventive maintenance (improved 13%), work-load (increased in 9%), repairing time (decreased 28%), lost of applications forms (decreased 47%). All values are given with respect to those of six months ago. The applied methodology improved the service quality of DEM.