6. Clinical integration
Very important and often forgotten is the inclusion of clinicians in the discussion about reprocessing. Ultimately, the physician decides what devices to use – and whether she or he is OK with using a reprocessed device. Reprocessed devices are safe and functionally similar to new devices, but the physician may have had a bad experience with a reprocessed device in the past, when reprocessing was not as advanced as it is today.

Transparency helps: Physician need to “buy in” and understand the financial implications of reprocessing – and its impact on their ability to work in an ideal work environment. For example, in cardiology departments where clinical integration has been central to the reprocessing program, physicians can see that using reprocessed devices means that they get the best new technology.
Conclusion
Single-use device reprocessing has become a key cost-saving strategy for most US hospitals. Overall, reprocessing can be said to be a great success, as hospitals simultaneously reduce costs without compromising care quality and safety – and reduce environmental harm. It has been suggested that reprocessing may be a model for other similar circular economy initiatives in healthcare that focus on reuse and design for sustainability. Opportunities abound for manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and clinicians to come up with new ways in which circular economy principles can be applied in a healthcare setting with an appetite to become greener and more economical.

That said, getting the most out of a single-use device reprocessing program is not easy. It is, however, highly (maybe even critically) rewarding from a financial standpoint. Looking at each of the above factors will help get you optimize your program for maximum cost savings.

About the author: Lars Thording is the VP of marketing & public affairs at Innovative Health.

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