Cost-effectiveness in usage of high-cost machine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, between year 2001-2005.

Abstract

Background: Each year, the budget committee is difficult to choose which of the high-cost machine should be bought.  There are very few data about installed high-cost machine, especially cost-effectiveness.

Objective: To study the cost-effectiveness in usage of high-cost machine.

Methods: Data of 223 high-cost machines (more than 500,000 Baht), which were bought between 2001 and 2005, was collected.  Data included buying price, using time, charge, cost and maintenance.  Cost-effectiveness of all machines was analyzed.

Design: Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting: Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.

Samples: Machines which were bought between 2001 and 2005 with buying price of more than 500,000 Baht.

Measurement: Value and percentage.

Results: Excluded depreciation, cost of the machine included installed area (44.57%), material (35.59%), public utilities (16.58%) and maintenance (3.16%).  Most of the medical machines (65.05%) were used more than 50% of standard using time, however more than one-fourth of them were used less than 20% of standard using time.  On contrary, most of the studying machines (58.63%) were used less than 20% of standard using time.

Conclusion: Most of the high-cost machines were used more than 50% of standard using time.  If depreciation was included, cost of all medical machines was more than charge.

Keywords: cost-effectiveness, high-cost machine