[Reprocessing of single-use medical devices: Viewpoints and perceptions of cardiologists and hospital pharmacists].

Abstract

A pilot initiative on the reprocessing of medical devices (MD), particularly in electrophysiology, is expected to be launched in France in 2025. Reprocessing single-use medical devices (SUDs) presents potential benefits and challenges, with differing perspectives among healthcare professionals. This study aims to compare the knowledge and positions of hospital pharmacists (HP) and cardiologists (CA) regarding the use of reprocessed single-use devices (R-SUDs), in order to identify their concerns as well as points of convergence and divergence. A directive and mixed electronic questionnaire consisting of 27 questions was sent to HPs and CAs from the Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). Responses from 32 HPs and 30 CAs were analyzed using statistical methods via R software. The results revealed that CAs overwhelmingly support reprocessing, while HPs show significantly more reservations (P<0.0001). Among HPs, 56% (n=18) favored an "open" supply chain model for reprocessing, compared to 28% (n=9) who preferred a "closed" one. CAs show a more balanced distribution of their preferences, with 30% (n=9) favoring the "open" chain and 40% (n=12) the "closed" model. Both groups raised concerns about the safety and quality of reprocessed devices, but the majority would accept R-SUDs if clinical trials validated their safety and effectiveness compared to original SUDs. Reprocessing is nevertheless seen as a means to reduce hospital costs and carbon footprint in hospitals.