BACKLOG MANAGEMENT: ANALYZING USER-REPORTED AND TECHNICALLY IDENTIFIED INCIDENCES IN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Accurate medical diagnosis is crucial for human well-being, and modern technology has provided healthcare personnel with essential tools for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating diseases. This study examined the critical role of effective first-level maintenance in ensuring the functionality of medical equipment, focusing on a case study of a company specializing in the sale and maintenance of medical devices in Ecuador. This study analyzed incident rates and contributing factors for EEG and EMG devices in clinical settings, reporting 36 and 42 incidents for EEG and EMG, respectively. Incidents were classified as related to accessories, equipment, software, or unspecified causes, with more 50% incidents for both types of devices not defined by operators, highlighting the need for better reporting practices. Inexperience of the operator was a key factor, with 50% incidents reported by individuals with less than a year of experience. The financial losses from equipment downtime were significant, averaging $448/day for EEG and $620.25/day for EMG. The primary causes of failures included accessory-related problems, incorrect settings, and user errors, which could be mitigated by improved operator training and robust preventive maintenance programs. These findings underscore the importance of improving operator competence and implementing proactive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and operational efficiency.