Predictive Analysis of the Use of a Novel Procurement Tool to Acquire Radiological Technology for NGOs (original) (raw)

2012

Abstract

ABSTRACT PURPOSE Medical imaging equipment and software are increasingly expensive, and drive up healthcare costs in the U.S. and across the world. Access to this technology is cost-prohibitive for medical facilities located in resource-poor regions. Online reverse auctions have proven to reduce the overall cost of purchased goods and services in several industries. An online reverse auction procurement tool provides nongovernmental organizations (NGO) afford to buy medical imaging technology. This international study was performed to predict the likelihood of radiologists and other healthcare decision makers to use an online reverse auction procurement tool. METHOD AND MATERIALS 8,000 radiology professionals (radiologists, hospital administrators, residents, technologists, etc), registered users of a radiology social media site, were asked to voluntarily participate in an online survey. The survey had 7 questions on challenges and opportunities in the medical imaging technology procurement process. We evaluated results by analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. RESULTS Of 212 respondents, 69% were 'likely,' 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to influence purchasing decisions. Of those, 48.5% influence 'equipment specifications,' 19.6% influence 'budget,' and 13.1% influence 'purchasing timing.' 42.4% said they would 'consider purchasing' or 'might consider purchasing equipment' on an online competitive bidding service. 79.3% considered a discount (price) 'very important,' 'important' or 'somewhat important.' ANOVA revealed our key finding: as influence on a purchasing decision increases, the intent to use online competitive bidding service increases. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate a strong likelihood that a significant percentage of purchasing decision makers would use a new online procurement tool concept, using reverse auctions, because it reduces the overall cost of radiological technology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION The online reverse auction allows medical facilities in resource-poor regions to acquire advanced technology, enabling the physicians at those sites to deliver a higher level of care to patients.

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