A cost comparison between reusable flexible and disposable laryngoscopes

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Healthcare Economics

Background:

• Laryngoscopes are essential tools in otolaryngology.
• The choice between reusable and disposable scopes impacts healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cost-effectiveness of reusable versus disposable laryngoscopes.
• To analyze costs in both outpatient and inpatient pediatric settings.

Main Methods:

• Collected variable and fixed costs associated with reusable flexible scope reprocessing.
• Developed a theoretical model for disposable scope costs based on volume demands.
• Analyzed cost per scope event for both models across different clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Reusable scopes cost $66.02 per event in clinics and $130.66 in a children's hospital.
• Disposable scopes cost $152.55 per event in clinics and $172.61 in a children's hospital.
• Reusable scopes showed significant cost savings in outpatient settings.

Conclusions:

• Reusable laryngoscopes are more economical for outpatient clinics.
• The cost difference between disposable and reusable scopes is smaller in pediatric inpatient settings.
• Disposable scopes may be a viable alternative in children's hospitals, considering non-economic factors.