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The single-use rhinolaryngoscope: an evaluation and cost comparison
R Mistry1, R V Russell2, N Walker1
1Department of Otolaryngology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|September 28, 2020
Summary
Single-use rhinolaryngoscopes offer a clinically comparable alternative to reusable ones. They present a potential cost-saving solution, particularly in acute surgical assessment units.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Device Technology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Comparison of single-use versus reusable rhinolaryngoscopes in a UK tertiary otolaryngology center.
- Assessment of clinical and economic equivalence between the two types of rhinolaryngoscopes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and economic viability of single-use rhinolaryngoscopes.
- To determine if single-use rhinolaryngoscopes can replace conventional reusable models.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, non-blinded, single-arm study over 5 days.
- Micro-costing analysis to compare costs of single-use and reusable rhinolaryngoscopes.
- Investigator perception survey on device performance and replaceability.
Main Results:
- 68% of investigators rated single-use rhinolaryngoscopes as 'good' or 'very good'.
- 85% believed single-use rhinolaryngoscopes could replace reusable ones.
- Reusable rhinolaryngoscope components showed incremental costs of £30 (eyepieces) and £11 (videoscopes) in outpatient clinics, but cost savings of -£4 and -£73 in acute surgical assessment units.
Conclusions:
- Single-use rhinolaryngoscopes are clinically comparable to reusable ones.
- Single-use rhinolaryngoscopes offer potential cost minimization, especially in acute surgical assessment settings.
- The study supports the adoption of single-use rhinolaryngoscopes as a viable alternative.
