Which cost categories are typically included in a comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis for hospital equipment?

A comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis for hospital equipment typically includes several cost categories: Initial Purchase Cost, which covers the price of the equipment itself, including any delivery and installation charges. Energy Costs, reflecting the ongoing expenses associated with operating the equipment, such as electricity or natural gas consumption. Maintenance Costs, including both preventive maintenance (PM) and corrective maintenance (CM) expenses, such as labor, parts, and service contracts. Repair Costs, covering the costs of unscheduled repairs due to equipment breakdowns or failures. Operating Costs, which can include expenses like consumables, supplies, and operator training. Downtime Costs, representing the financial impact of equipment being out of service, such as lost revenue or increased patient care costs. Disposal Costs, encompassing the expenses associated with decommissioning and disposing of the equipment at the end of its useful life, including any environmental remediation or recycling fees. These cost categories are all considered over the equipment's entire lifespan to determine the total cost of ownership and enable informed decisions about equipment selection, maintenance strategies, and replacement timing. A proper lifecycle cost analysis will also incorporate the time value of money (discounting future costs to present value) to make fair comparisons between options.