Multi-Criteria Decision Aid (MCDA) as a Tool to Support Health Technology Incorporation Process

Indifferent areas and applications of science, decision making is required. Thus, subjectivity, bias and con- founding factors are present. In the Medical Equipment (ME) incorporation process, these factors need to be properly identified and treated. Besides, there are different actors (stakeholders) with heterogeneous perspectives. In this scenario, this study aimed to identify the different relevant aspects to consider in the challenge of ME incorporation and to obtain a final indicator of priority for ME incorporation, with the MCDA approach. It makes possible solve the conflicts of interest and the integration of stakeholders for an outcome measure and a transparent decision making. Based on the MCDA approach, in particular the Measuring Attractiveness by a Category Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH), was elaborated an assessment framework for a final indicator of priority for the ME incorporation. As result of the investigation, from Clinical Engineering view, four aspects were identified to be investigated in the ME incorporation process: infrastructure, human resources, technology and costs. In order to summarize the evaluation using the MACBETH methodology, a numerical indicator of priority for the ME incorporation was generated.