Study of Medical-Assistance Equipment, Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Special Materials in the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil

Abstract

Medical Assistance Equipment (MAE), Orthotics, Prosthetics and Special Materials (OPSM) are strategic subsectors of the Industrial Health Complex (IHC).The dynamism and peculiar characteristics of these technologies characterize the innovation field and the short life cycle of technological developments. The study aims to consolidate the products in a single list by analyzing computerized databases and consulting the technical and other areas in the Ministry of Health. The study strengthens the data obtained and investigates the repeated items in the adopted criteria, crossing this information with previous publications. We established standards about MAE and OPSM in this study that have already been repeated in previous publications. Thus, there is a concentration of skills needs for these technologies in industrial and technological development, as well as in technological services requirement of these products.