Challenges of radiological equipment management policies in some northern Nigerian hospitals

Authors

  • Ernest Usang Ekpo Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN)
  • Nneoyi Onen Egbe Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar
  • Samuel Okon Inyang Department of Physics, University of Calabar
  • William Egbe Azogor Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar
  • Ernest Ruto Upeh Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

Keywords:

Planned preventive maintenance, quality control, planned procurement pattern, total preventive maintenance

Abstract

Background: The availability and use of medical imaging equipment is undoubtedly on the increase which means wear and tear is expected by the users.

Objective: To outline the challenges of medical imaging equipment operational policies for efficient radiodiagnosis in nine northern Nigeria hospitals.

Materials and methods: Sixty five (65) questionnaires were administered to radiographers and equipment engineers; interviews were conducted; and data obtained from log books.

Results: Result showed that only two out of the nine hospitals had a full typical radiology department. The chief executive officers/hospital administrators carry out all radiological equipment procurement and are oblivious to the need of professional input. Out of the 61 imaging equipment installed in the area 51 (84%) were functional at the time of survey while 10 (16%) had broken down. In terms of downtime 81% of minor faults lasted for between 48 to 72 hours; 9% lasted for 24 hours. Major faults lasted for up to two months. Only one of the nine hospitals (11%) implements planned patterns of inventory documentation, including clinical risk assessment.

Conclusion: Reduction in the downtime of imaging equipment; utilization of a medical equipment maintenance plan; use of high caliber professionals for quality assurance in establishing prompt service delivery as well as enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in all radiological processes should significantly improve equipment lifespan.

Author Biographies

Ernest Usang Ekpo, Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN)

Graduate Assistant, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences

Nneoyi Onen Egbe, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

Senior Lecturer, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences

Samuel Okon Inyang, Department of Physics, University of Calabar

Reader. Department of Physics, University of Calabar

William Egbe Azogor, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

Senior Technologist. Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

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Published

2013-05-17

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Original Articles

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