Unit Costs Analysis of Sterile Medical Devices Preparation in Central Sterile Supply Department, Srinagarind Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

Abstract

Background and Objective: Unit costs analysis is an administrative measure which hospitals could implement to increase the efficiency of their work performance. The objectives of this study include investigation and development of data collection of unit costs for various medical devices model for unit costs analysis.

Methods: This study employed descriptive cross section methodology. A semi-structured interview was conducted on a group of the Central Sterile Supply Department’s personnel (n = 10), along with a retrospective documents pertinent to the direct costs of medical device preparation from 2022 – 2023.  Univariate analysis data was performed to determine average direct costs across various units.

Results: Analysis of total direct costs in different units indicated that overall costs per unit in 2021 was higher than 2022, with the values of 37.17 baht/unit and 35.87 baht/unit, respectively. Medical device inspection and preparation unit ranked the highest, contributing 54.43% to the overall costs of medical device preparation. Direct costs made up the most significant portion of overall costs at 47.33%. The data collection model was devised after classification and codification of various types of direct costs using Microsoft Excel, consisted of the following categories: types of direct costs included costs codes, labor costs, material costs, capital costs and utility costs. The model resulted in more efficient and less time-consuming data acquisition and analysis.

Conclusion: Unit costs for preparation of medical devices primarily corresponded to workload. The data collection model is an effective tool for evaluation of unit costs over the years.