Efficiency of Medical Equipment Utilization and Its Associated Factors at Public Referral Hospitals in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: The significance of effectively using medical equipment has received widespread public attention. Due to its complex effects on healthcare costs and quality, the relationship between hospital features and medical equipment consumption has drawn increased attention. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of medical equipment utilization and its associated factors. METHODS: The study was conducted at public referral hospitals in East Wollega, Oromia Regional National State, Ethiopia, in 2021. A cross-sectional study design was mixed with observation and document review. The study included approximately 192 pieces of equipment. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square (χ(2)) were used to identify associations between each independent and dependent variable at p<0.05 to declare level of significance. RESULTS: Using 95% confidence interval (CI), the level of utilization coefficient was estimated to be 0.49 (0.44–0.55). As a result, 111 pieces of equipment (57.8%) were used efficiently, while 81 (42.2%) were underutilized. The form in which the hospitals received the equipment (χ(2)=7.7.2; P=0.005), regular availability (χ(2)=19.30; P=0.00), equipment breakdown (χ(2)=11.57; P=0.001), the availability of trained staffs operating the equipment (χ(2)=26.14; P=0.00), performing preventive maintenance (χ(2)=91.54; P=0.00), the availability of spare parts (χ(2)=32.36; P=0.00), and the availability of accessories (χ(2)=43.91; P=0.00) were statistically significant factors affecting the medical equipment utilization. CONCLUSION: On average, the utilization coefficient of medical equipment in the study hospitals was low compared to other study findings, which indicated that 2 out of 5 pieces of medical equipment were under-utilized, which could be significantly affected by the form in which the hospital received the equipment, its regular availability, equipment breakdown, availability of trained staff operating the equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and availability of adequate spare parts and accessories. Every hospital should develop an appropriate strategic framework to manage and utilize the available medical diagnostic equipment based on its level and demand.