An approach to prioritization of medical devices in low-income countries: an example based on the Republic of South Sudan

• Published in: Cost effectiveness and resource allocation 2015-01, Vol.13 (1), p.2-2, Article 2
• Main Authors: Lilford, Richard J, Burn, Samantha L, Diaconu, Karin D, Lilford, Peter, Chilton, Peter J, Bion, Victoria, Cummins, Carole, Manaseki-Holland, Semira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Economic aspects; Health aspects; Medical imaging equipment
• ISSN: 1478-7547; 1478-7547
• DOI: 10.1186/s12962-014-0027-3

Efficient and evidence-based medical device and equipment prioritization is of particular importance in low-income countries due to constraints in financing capacity, physical infrastructure and human resource capabilities. This paper outlines a medical device prioritization method developed in first instance for the Republic of South Sudan. The simple algorithm offered here is a starting point for procurement and selection of medical devices and can be regarded as a screening test for those that require more labour intensive health economic modelling. A heuristic method, such as the one presented here, is appropriate for reaching many medical device prioritization decisions in low-income settings. Further investment and purchasing decisions that cannot be reached so simply require more complex health economic modelling approaches.