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Reuse of disposable medical devices in Canadian hospitals
B A Campbell1, G A Wells, W N Palmer
1Division of Hospital Epidemiology, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
Insights
In 1986, a survey revealed 41% of Canadian hospitals reused single-use medical devices, particularly in larger facilities. Many lacked procedures or cost analyses for this practice.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Device Safety
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- The practice of reusing "single-use only" medical devices presents potential risks and economic considerations within healthcare settings.
- Understanding the prevalence and management of disposable medical device reuse is crucial for patient safety and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of disposable medical device reuse in Canadian hospitals in 1986.
- To identify factors associated with the reuse of these devices.
- To evaluate the procedural and economic aspects of medical device reuse.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey of all Canadian hospitals was conducted in 1986.
- Data collection focused on the frequency of reuse, hospital size, written procedures, tracking mechanisms, cost analyses, and types of devices reused.
Main Results:
- 41% of hospitals regularly reused disposable medical devices.
- Reuse rates were significantly higher in hospitals with over 200 beds.
- Only 38% of reusing hospitals had written procedures, and 32% tracked reuse frequency. Cost analysis was performed by 29% of reusers.
- Respiratory therapy equipment was the most commonly reused category.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of Canadian hospitals engaged in the reuse of single-use medical devices in 1986.
- The reuse of disposable medical devices was often implemented without standardized procedures or adequate cost-benefit analysis.
- Larger hospitals and specific equipment categories, like respiratory devices, were more prone to this practice, highlighting areas for targeted policy and safety interventions.
Abstract:
A survey of all Canadian hospitals was undertaken in 1986 to determine the extent of the reuse of disposable medical devices meant for "single use only." It was found that 41% of hospitals regularly reused disposable medical devices, and reuse was significantly higher in hospitals with more than 200 beds. Only 38% of hospitals that regularly reused had written procedures for reuse, and 32% indicated a mechanism for determining the number of times a device was reused. Cost analysis studies had been undertaken by only 29% of regular reusers, and items of respiratory therapy equipment were the most commonly reused devices.