Astra Management: Validation of a Digital System for Increasing and Monitoring the Reporting of Incidents in Maintenance of Biomedicai Equipment for Low-Resource Settings - A case Study in Peru

Torres J.; Boggio C.; Cama M.; Rua S.; Saavedra T.; Rivas V. · Pan American Health Care Exchanges, PAHCE (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/gmepe/pahce69420.2026.11550331

Resumen

Healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries face critical challenges due to the lack of effective tools for reporting and managing incidents involving medical devices. Poor maintenance practices, equipment downtime, and a shortage of biomedicai engineers contribute to widespread device inoperability, with severe impacts on patient safety and institutional efficiency. This paper presents the conceptual design of a low-cost, intelligent reporting system based on QR codes, chatbots, and cloud integration. Using engineering methodologies such as VDI 2222 and Cruz-Cordero, the solution addresses traceability, usability, and performance monitoring through key indicators like Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). Supported by fieldwork in Peruvian healthcare facilities, the proposal aims to shift risk management from reactive to proactive, providing a scalable model for strengthening clinical engineering and improving patient care outcomes. Clinical Relevance—This work addresses a critical gap in the clinical engineering field by proposing a practical, low-cost, and scalable solution for adverse event reporting related to medical devices. By enhancing traceability, responsiveness, and data-driven decision-making, the system aims to reduce preventable harm, optimize equipment performance, and support a culture of safety in healthcare environments—especially in resource-constrained settings. The proposed approach supports the transition from reactive incident management to proactive risk prevention.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia