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

Abstract Background The medical equipment is any instrument, appliance, material, or other articles, whether used alone or in combination including the software necessary for the purpose of diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of the disease. The importance of efficient utilization of medical equipment has been brought to full public attention. The association between hospital characteristics and utilization of medical equipment has received more attention for its complicated consequences on health care costs and quality. So, the study aimed to assess factors affecting efficient utilization of medical equipment at public referral hospitals in East Wollega zone, Oromia regional state. Methods The study was conducted at public referral hospitals in East Wollega, Oromia Regional National State, Ethiopia from July 30-August 30, 2021. Cross-sectional study design was conducted mixed with observation and document review. About 192 equipment were included in the study. The descriptive statics and Pearson Chi-square (χ2) were performed to identify association between each independent and dependent variables at p < 0.05 to declare level of significance. Results Using 95% confidence interval, the level of utilization coefficient was estimated to be 0.49(0.44–0.55). Accordingly, 111(57.8%) equipment were efficiently utilized whereas 81(41.2%) of the equipment were underutilized. The form in which the hospitals received (χ2 = 7.7.2; P = 0.005), regularly availability (χ2 = 19.30; P = 0.000), the equipment breakdown (χ2 = 11.57; P = 0.001), availability of adequate trained staffs operating the equipment (χ2 = 26.14; P = 0.000), performing preventive maintenance (χ2 = 91.54; P = 0.000), availability of adequate spare parts (χ2 = 32.36; P = 0.000), and availability accessories(consumables) (χ2 = 43.91; P = 0.000) were the statistically significant associated factors affecting efficient utilization of the equipment. Conclusion On average, the utilization coefficient of medical equipment in the study hospitals was low compared to other study findings which indicated that about 42.2% of the equipment were inefficiently utilized. The significant associated factors that could affect the efficient utilization of the equipment were the form in which the hospital received, regularly availability of the equipment, the equipment breakdown, availability of trained staffs operating the equipment, performing preventive maintenance, availability of adequate spare parts, and accessories. Every hospital should develop appropriate strategic framework to manage and utilize the available medical diagnostic equipment based on their level and demand.