Technology assessment and equipment planning in Kaiser Permanente, Northern California Region.
Hospitals face a significant challenge to select and appropriately place clinically warranted, safe, and cost-effective medical devices. To meet this challenge, the Kaiser Permanente, Northern California Region developed a comprehensive medical device technology assessment and equipment planning program. This paper discusses the structure of the program, physician leadership and accountability, the role of clinical engineers and other support personnel, and the program's influence on strategic planning and policy development.
Gordon
G J
GJ
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Berkeley, CA 94710.
Tan
K M
KM
D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002140:California; D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015274:Interdepartmental Relations; D008284:Maintenance and Engineering, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009096:Multi-Institutional Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011367:Professional Staff Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D011871:Radiology / Q000295:instrumentation; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*