Sierra E. Fletcher, Associate - Policy and Programs at the Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. in Boston says that over the past year, PSI has facilitated meetings with pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers, government officials, pharmacies, public health groups and other key stakeholders to recommend the development and implementation of a "model state program for Massachusetts" based on a modified producer responsibility system, the details of which remain to be negotiated. "The goal of the project is to maximize the safe collection and disposal of used medical sharp devices," says Fletcher. "The project is in-line with other PSI initiatives to directly involve the manufacturers of products that create challenging waste issues in creating solutions."

DOTmed users express their opinions
Jennifer Westbrook, CEO of PrecisionSurgical Supply has firsthand knowledge as a former phlebotomist of many disposables on the market. She said that for her company, sales of disposable products have remained strong despite current economic conditions. As far as the environment goes, Westbrook says, "I find the biggest challenge is finding a balance between having an environmental conscience and awareness with providing supplies that will be of the most benefit to our clinics, hospitals and - ultimately the patients.
Westbrook is confident that the SUD market will continue to grow. There continues to be a great need for these products," she says. As the world market grows, so will the need for reprocessing." Westbrook says that she can understand both sides of the reprocessing issue. When it comes to legislation in the works requiring patients to be informed about reprocessed single use- devices, she says, "In most cases, patients are more comfortable knowing that they are getting items that have never been used before - especially when considering an invasive procedure"

Scott Townsend, owner of Townsend Surgical relates that his disposable business has been average to slow and his biggest challenge has been finding precisely what customers want amongst the enormous variety of medical disposable devices available. He anticipates that business will continue as usual with "steady slow growth over the next six months, especially in markets outside of the U.S." Townsend sells and repairs equipment to hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and dealers, nationally and internationally. He said that he sometimes will sell disposables outright or on consignment from a medical facility, but he will not touch certain products that are injectable or contain liquids.

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