The management of medical technology

Medical technology is a valuable asset that is strategically important to the operational efficiency of the Australian health care industry. This paper looks at the Australian care health industry and suggests the need for a more structured approach to medical technology strategic planning at a national, state, and hospital level. Strategic planning frameworks are considered and data relating to a sample of Australian hospitals is discussed. The paper deals with a wide range of issues that impact on medical technology strategic planning including cost of ownership, access and equity, remaining life of technology, financing options, and centralised vs local planning.