Managerial and educational barriers to the implementation of preventive maintenance systems for critical hospital equipment and facilities
Social Determinants of Health,
Vol. 12 (2026),
1 January 2026
,
Page 1-10
https://doi.org/10.22037/sdh.v12i1.51972
Abstract
Background: Critical hospital equipment is essential for safe, high-quality healthcare, relying on effective preventive maintenance systems. Beyond management, the knowledge and training of maintenance staff significantly impact system effectiveness. This study aimed to identify the managerial and educational barriers to implementing a preventive maintenance system in Baath Hospital of Gachsaran and propose targeted improvement strategies.
Methods: A mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was used in 2024. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 14 experts in medical equipment and hospital facilities, analyzed through thematic content analysis. Findings informed a researcher-made questionnaire distributed to 102 staff members in the quantitative phase. The questionnaire assessed managerial, organizational, technical, financial, infrastructural, and educational factors affecting maintenance implementation.
Results: Barriers were categorized into six main dimensions: managerial, organizational, human resources, technical, financial, and infrastructural, with educational issues emerging as a critical cross-cutting factor. Financial barriers ranked highest (mean score: 4.08), followed by human resource and managerial barriers. Key educational challenges included insufficient training programs, limited staff technical knowledge, and a lack of structured learning systems. A significant positive relationship was observed between several dimensions, most notably between managerial and human resource barriers.
Conclusion: The primary barriers include financial constraints, a shortage of skilled human resources, inadequate training, and weak maintenance planning. Strengthening managerial structures, developing continuous education programs, and improving technical competencies are crucial for enhancing maintenance effectiveness and, consequently, the quality and safety of healthcare services.
- Crew Resource Management, Healthcare
- Equipment and Supplies
- Maintenance
- prevention and control [Subheading]
- Staff Development
How to Cite
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