Title: Multiple-criteria comparative analysis of magnetic resonance imaging systems

Authors: Ilya Ivlev; Josef Jablonsky; Peter Kneppo

Addresses: Department of Biomedical Technology, Czech Technical University in Prague, Nam. Sitna 3105, 272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic ' Department of Econometrics, University of Economics, W. Churchill Sq. 4, 130 67 Praha 3, Czech Republic ' Department of Biomedical Technology, Czech Technical University in Prague, Nam. Sitna 3105, 272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic

Abstract: The value of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is its ability to visualise tissues non-invasively without exposing patients to radiation. Selecting an MRI system is difficult because of stakeholders' differing interests, and the multidisciplinary nature of selection criteria should be taken as a function of time. The purpose of this study was to identify the most suitable MRI system for regional hospitals in the Czech Republic and to define the most appropriate multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model for medical equipment selection. Comparative modelling of various MCDA methods (AHP, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE II and SAW) was performed and three MRI systems recommended based on their default specifications. In addition, recommendations were provided about various MCDA methods used in medical equipment selection.

Keywords: multicriteria decision making; MCDM; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; PROMETHEE; TOPSIS; simple additive weighting; SAW; magnetic resonance imaging; MRI systems; medical devices; comparative analysis; MRI selection; regional hospitals; Czech Republic; heathcare technology; medical equipment selection.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEI.2016.075757

International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2016 Vol.8 No.2, pp.124 - 141

Received: 06 May 2015
Accepted: 24 Oct 2015
Published online: 01 Apr 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article