Using an objective measurement model to determine the corrective maintenance demand in the field of hospital engineering

In this work, the use of an objective method, the formulation of the Rasch measurement model, which synthesizes data from different susceptible elements for maintenance (SEM) and healthcare units (HU) into a uniform analytical framework, is considered to get representative measures of corrective maintenance demand in an hospital. Thus, information about 10 SEM and 33 HU were obtained from two hospital located in Badajoz (Spain) to be treated. A latent variable, denominated corrective maintenance demand, was defined. It is supposed, and later it is verified, that all SEM previously indicated have a marked influence on the latent variable. The adequate assignment of categorical values across SEM measures and the good fit of the data are checked as a previous phase to properly compute the Rasch measures. After applying the Rasch methodology, it was obtained that the mean corrective maintenance demand of HU is lower than expected, but significative differences between units are apparent. Those which care for high risk patients, as liver transplant, intensive care, and internal medicine, are the most influential units on corrective maintenance demand, getting moreover a ranking of all HU according to their corrective maintenance demand. Similarly, another ranking of all SEM is provided, being hospital furniture the item that exerts the highest influence on corrective maintenance demand. Moreover, the unexpected behaviors, called misfits, of some HU and SEM constitute a very useful information to better know the hospital requirements and correctly allocate the work hours in the maintenance management program. Consequently, the Rasch measurement model is a very useful tool for decision making related to corrective maintenance cost management and their correct attribution to each healthcare unit.