Predictive Capital Equipment Replacement Planning through Equipment Life Cycle Management

Abstract

Every year Canadian hospitals spend millions on the procurement of capital equipment. Often the capital planning and procurement of equipment is a reactive and not proactive process. As a result, critical information required during the procurement process and accurate prioritization of equipment replacement is missed. This paper will highlight factors to consider when replacing medical equipment, and challenges with implementation of a predictive replacement life cycle management program. Additionally, this paper will review the steps involved in the creation of a predictive Medical Equipment Life Cycle Management program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). SickKids took a methodical approach when designing the program which included reviewing a medical equipment database, literature review, third party consultation (ECRI), and meetings with end users.