Strategic Management of Hospital Medical Assets: A Systematic Review of ISO 55000, Governance, and Continuous Improvement

This systematic review examines the strategic management of hospital medical assets through the lens of the ISO 55000 asset management framework, with a particular focus on governance structures and continuous improvement processes. Hospitals face rising demand, constrained budgets, and rapid technological change, which together heighten the need for coherent asset management strategies that secure patient safety and optimize value. We conducted a structured literature search across major databases, screened studies using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and synthesized findings using a thematic analysis approach. The review identifies key themes including: the adaptation of ISO 55000 principles to health settings; the central role of collaborative governance and clinical–technical integration; the imperative of risk management centered on patient safety; and the necessity for continuous improvement mechanisms adapted to organizational cultures in healthcare. The evidence indicates that while ISO 55000 offers a robust conceptual foundation, its practical application in hospitals demands contextualization, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where resources and regulatory capacity are limited. The review concludes with recommendations for practice and research to strengthen the translation of asset management standards into operational healthcare benefits.