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Three Steps To Successful Technology Management In Hospitals
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2008-07-06
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: The three steps will present a theoretical basis on how to identify relevant technologies, how to evaluate and how to implement them. These considerations are crucial for success in times of rising cost pressure and diversification.
Methods: A broad analysis of conventional theories on technology management was supplemented by interviews elaborating the organizational structure and the common practice in hospitals. A technology assessment model was created following the Analytical Hierarchy-Process approach. Furthermore a study on international horizon scanning institutes, their approaches and methods as well as structural organization was conducted.
Results: For a successful management of technology in hospitals three steps are important. At first relevant new technologies have to be found through an integrated technological foresight approach which connects the needs of the clinical departments with technologies in development or already in market introduction. As a second step the available technologies have to be assessed regarding the three dimensions medical benefit, economical benefit and organizational impact. Appropriate criterias for these dimensions were found and have to be weighted individually. Therefore an integration of key persons on different levels of hospital structure is essential. To overcome the barriers innovations have to face, a structure of promotors has to be established. These promotors have to provide the necessary skills of power, knowledge and communication. Personnel dynamics as well as structural changes have to be considered.
Conclusions: The presented theoretical approach leads to a practical guideline for hospitals on how to establish an integrated technology management and therefore benefit from technological innovation.
Methods: A broad analysis of conventional theories on technology management was supplemented by interviews elaborating the organizational structure and the common practice in hospitals. A technology assessment model was created following the Analytical Hierarchy-Process approach. Furthermore a study on international horizon scanning institutes, their approaches and methods as well as structural organization was conducted.
Results: For a successful management of technology in hospitals three steps are important. At first relevant new technologies have to be found through an integrated technological foresight approach which connects the needs of the clinical departments with technologies in development or already in market introduction. As a second step the available technologies have to be assessed regarding the three dimensions medical benefit, economical benefit and organizational impact. Appropriate criterias for these dimensions were found and have to be weighted individually. Therefore an integration of key persons on different levels of hospital structure is essential. To overcome the barriers innovations have to face, a structure of promotors has to be established. These promotors have to provide the necessary skills of power, knowledge and communication. Personnel dynamics as well as structural changes have to be considered.
Conclusions: The presented theoretical approach leads to a practical guideline for hospitals on how to establish an integrated technology management and therefore benefit from technological innovation.
Language
English
HSG Classification
not classified
Refereed
Yes
Book title
V Annual Meeting HTAi 2008 : Book of Abstracts 1
Event Title
V Annual Meeting of the Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi0) 2008
Event Location
Montreal
Event Date
06.-09.07.2008
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
62814