[Evaluation of the availability, utilization, and costs of computerized tomography in the state of Morelos, Mexico].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the availability, utilization, and costs of computerized tomography (CT scan) in private and public hospitals in Morelos State, Mexico.


METHODS
From January to April 1999, a cross-sectional study was carried out in two private and two public hospitals in Morelos, Mexico. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with directors, managers, radiologists, and heads of maintenance at each hospital. Statistical analysis was performed to describe the variables measuring availability, utilization, and costs of CT scans. A comprehensive assessment of CT scans was also performed. Emphasis was made on the variability of observed patterns among the participating hospitals.


RESULTS
CT scan technology has been used by hospitals in Morelos State for over ten years; programs for preventive or corrective maintenance of these equipments are available, although at high costs. No strategies for technology assessment are available for acquisition of CT scanners nor during their period of utilization. This study did not attempt to evaluate the appropriateness of the clinical use of CT nor its untoward effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from the present study showed that: 1) a lack of mechanisms for technology assessment and management of CT scans prevented hospitals from managing CT scanning technologies efficiently; 2) technology assessment regulation is not available, even though it is necessary for the adequate selection of the best technologies, on the basis of their efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and availability.
Pérez-Rodríguez
John
J
Sistema Estatal para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia, Veracruz, México.
Durán-Arenas
Juan Luis Gerardo
JL
Hernández-Gaytán
Sendy Isarel
SI
Tirado-Gómez
Laura Leticia
LL
Díaz-Vásquez
Francisco Javier
FJ
López-Cervantes
Malaquías
M
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data