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Study finds reused medical devices increase patient risk

Hospital Safety Connection, January 28, 2003

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A recently released study found that a majority of surgeons believe the use of reprocessed, single-use medical devices poses a threat to patient safety.

The Center for Patient Advocacy (CPA) surveyed surgeons, nurses, and consumers for their thoughts on the hospital process of reusing single-use devices such as surgical blades, catheters, and forceps. To save money, some hospitals reuse such devices by resterilizing and repackaging them, but this process can either compromise the device or fail to completely remove the bodily fluids of previous patients.

The study found that 75% of surgeons say the use of reprocessed devices poses a safety risk to patients, 75% of surgeons and operating room nurses believe hospitals should discontinue the practice, and 71% of surgeons and 82% of nurses say they would be uncomfortable with the use of a reprocessed, single-use device on themselves or a family member.

As for consumers, 65% are unaware of the practice of reprocessing, 70% expect the hospital to inform them if reprocessed devices will be used, and 68% did not know they could request that such devices not be used in their surgery.

The CPA developed a consent form for patients to complete before undergoing surgery to reject the use of reprocessed, single-use devices. Access the form at http://www.patientadvocacy.org/consent_form.htm

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