Reprocessing of Single-Use Medical Devices: National Survey of Canadian Acute-Care Hospitals

Aim: To obtain information on current practices in Canadian institutions regarding the reprocessing of single-use devices (SUDs).

Conclusions and results: Survey responses suggest that most hospitals do not reprocess SUDs. The reasons given for not reprocessing include concerns about patients’ safety, legal liability, and the absence of regulation. Of the responding hospitals that reprocess SUDs, most do so in-house. Among hospitals that reprocess SUDs, 40% do not have a written policy, and 12% do not have an incident-reporting mechanism, suggesting a need for improved standards of documentation in this area.

Recommendations: None given.

Methods: A survey instrument drawing on information from previous Canadian surveys was developed. Included items were related to the use of reprocessed SUDs. The survey was mailed to acute-care hospitals in all Canadian jurisdictions. Respondents could reply by mail, or electronically through CADTH’s website. In analyzing the responses, differences in proportions were tested using chi-square and were based on a 5% level of significance. Subgroup analyses were done by jurisdiction, hospital type, and size. A logistic regression model was used to explore the effect of independent variables on the use of SUD reprocessing.

Further research/reviews required: Limitations of this survey might be addressed by the establishment of more comprehensive systematic monitoring of SUD use and by clinical studies that quantify the potential risks of adverse events.

Written by: Polisena J, Hailey D, Moulton K, Noorani H, Jacobs P, Normandin S, and Gardam M, CADTH, Canada