Analysis of technology management in medical equipment in intensive care units: Challenges for coping with COVID-19

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has brought a huge pressure on health systems, in particular the availability of beds, equipment and human resources in Intensive Care Units (ICU), which even before this scenario already had difficulties, especially in equipment management. Although more than 10 years have passed since the beginning of mandatory technology management in health services, its implementation in practice is still a challenge and a public health problem. Objective: To verify the implementation of the Medical Equipment Technology Management Plan in the ICUs of Goiania, Goias, an integral part of technology management. Method: As a basis, secondary data collected in a Guide prepared by the Sanitary Surveillance was used, applied in two moments during inspections in the ICU. The data were analyzed comparatively and the results presented through absolute and relative frequency and statistical analysis. Results: The levels of implementation of the Technology Management Plan found were 25.8% and 40.9% in the 1st and 2nd inspection, respectively. Conclusions: Investments in training and in a permanent education program can be a direction to improve the implementation of the plan and, consequently, an advance in the quality of the service offered to the user. Considering that Health Surveillance is an important catalyst for this change, this study provides important data for managers to prioritize actions and formulate public policies in Public Health that will serve to improve patient safety and, consequently, help in coping with COVID-19.