Health care technology in public health institutions in Kenya.

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.