Health care technology in public health institutions in Kenya

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the role of technology in the practice of medicine and the delivery of health care in public hospitals, the problems encountered and suggested solutions.

DESIGN: The article reviews the process of technology planning, acquisition, management and assessment. Analysis of results and observations leads to recommendation and suggestions.

SETTING: Health care technology assessment in hospitals in Kenya and South Africa 1998. INSTITUTIONS: Twenty four hospitals in Kenya and 54 hospitals in South Africa. RESULTS: Technology assessment as a health policy instrument and planning tool has not gained recognition in Kenya; acquisition of health care equipment is not done on the basis of evidence from relative advantage outcome, cost of ownership or returns on investment; tender boards lack the technical expertise to make clinical and technical evaluations of health care equipment and; health care is compromised due to poor equipment acquisition. CONCLUSION: The planning, deployment, management and assessment of technology should be fully integrated into health policy and planning. Policy guidelines should include the regulation, control and utilisation of health care technologies