Effective Technology Management
Technology plays a key role in achieving positive outcomes for researchers and for patients.
However, it is a major cost driver, not only due to the initial equipment acquisition cost, but also the full life-cycle costs associated with installation, training, maintenance, consumables, compliance, and so on.
Acquisition Costs ~ 20%
- Technology purchase price
- Shipping
- Installation
Life Cycle Costs ~ 80%
- Staffing & training
- Maintenance
- Consumables & utilities
- Upgrades
- Software licenses
- Financing
- Compliance
- Quality assurance
- De-installation & disposal
Acquisition costs are only the tip of the iceberg.
Due to the complexities of the research enterprise and of health care systems, inefficiencies can develop. Departmental and individual efforts to implement technology can backfire if the overall health care system environment is not taken into consideration.
Lack of standardization, improper application, limited infrastructure, failing to capture economies of scale, not anticipating overall utilization, and ineffective maintenance approaches can all lead to escalating costs and less-than-optimal patient care.
For technology to be successful in enhancing research and in improving patient outcomes, a comprehensive system of technology planning and management is required: one that optimizes the capacity to produce the desired results while effectively managing costs throughout the full technology life cycle.