A computerized maintenance management system for real-time monitoring of medical equipment under the Ministry of Health, Uganda

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of efficient healthcare service delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Uganda. Amid the surge in demand for healthcare services, the Ministry of Health faced significant challenges in managing medical equipment due to the lack of a centralized system for tracking equipment status and performance. The reliance on outdated, paper-based systems exacerbated delays, inefficiencies, and poor resource allocation, underscoring the urgency for a more robust solution. This research addressed this gap by developing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) tailored to the needs of Uganda’s healthcare system, focusing on real-time monitoring and management of forty (40) Digital X-ray machines across public health facilities. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining stakeholder consultations, system requirement gathering, and iterative system design. Quantitative data was collected through system performance tests in different network environments, while qualitative insights were obtained from focus group discussions with hospital administrators, radiographers, and biomedical engineers. The CMMS was designed to integrate Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication for real-time data acquisition, alert management, and maintenance scheduling. The system was evaluated for usability, functionality, and effectiveness in tracking equipment status and downtime. Key findings indicate that the CMMS significantly reduced equipment downtime by facilitating prompt fault reporting and maintenance interventions. Data transmission delays were minimal in urban settings (2-5 seconds), although rural facilities experienced longer delays (up to 50 seconds) due to network limitations. User feedback provided the system’s intuitive dashboard and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Overall, the CMMS demonstrated the potential to streamline maintenance operations and strengthen healthcare service delivery.