HTM Case Study Framework

This Framework is intended to serve as a reference and normative tool    in the advancement of Healthcare Technology Management (HTM)    and the promotion of HTM Best-Practice.    In this Framework, HTM is considered to comprise 2 phases, each with 2 processes. Each process in turn is    associated with a number of activities related to Healthcare Technologies (HT), as shown in the table below.   The 4 processes can be seen as 4 legs of a chair supporting healthcare technologies; any imbalance, e.g.   one leg missing or deficient, will result in the device falling off, i.e. sub-optimal outcomes. In order to bear its    load, the chair must be well constructed with material of adequate quality. Similarly, in order for the HTM “chair”    to fulfil its function, the HTM processes must themselves be well resourced and properly conducted. In this way    they will support and contribute to Quality healthcare, defined as being Safe, Effective, Efficient, Equitable,    Patient-Centred and Timely (IOM, 2001).   The HTM processes should also, as a bridging concern, address issues of Access, with components of    Availability, Accessibility, Affordability & Acceptability. The ultimate goal is to optimise the acquisition   and utilisation of healthcare technologies - and associated procedures and interventions -   thereby leading to improved quality and sustainability of healthcare delivery.

Phase	Process	Activities
A C Q U I S I T I O N	Planning	HT Strategy formulation                                       HT Needs Assessment                                      Allocation of HT resources                               Prioritisation of HT needs
	Procurement	Specification of requirements Provisioning (including ordering & delivery) Acceptance of newly acquired asset/s Training of users & maintainers
U T I L I S A T I O N	Asset Management	Performance monitoring of assets Maintaining asset  Records Conducting asset Audits Asset Maintenance
	Risk Management	Risk Profiling Managing hazard Alerts Conducting Safety checks and infection control Training in risk management

in support of … Quality Healthcare               Building competency        Sharing experience  Gathering evidence Promoting awareness

The Logo (above right) contains the following elements: HTM Chair, with 4 legs representing the 4 main HTM Processes; the letters HTM, with 'M' adjacent to the 4 HTM legs / processes supporting the technology 'T', in turn providing support for the healthcare processes 'H' (represented by the back of the chair); the two arrows representing the two HTM Phases, encompassing the HTM Chair and showing the sequential relationship of processes and activities; the outline of Africa, indicating the primary (but not exclusive)  focus of the Campaign, and the phrase "... supporting quality healthcare" to indicate the desirable outcome of Best-Practice HTM.