Hospitals urged to shift from single-use to reusable medical devices
Transition to a circular model mooted
A groundbreaking study by the Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University calls for a significant overhaul in hospital practices. It advocates a shift from single-use medical devices to reprocessed, repaired, and recycled tools. This change, the research suggests, could cut hospital costs, resolve operational challenges, and reduce environmental damage from waste.
The study, led by master’s graduate Mels Arnoldy, analyses over 500 commonly used single-use medical devices. It provides robust evidence that reusable medical tools are not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective compared to their single-use counterparts.
However, hospitals must transition to a circular model, which requires significant changes to the industry’s material logistics infrastructure.
Arnoldy noted: “Over the past three decades, the reliance on single-use medical devices has grown, with a linear value chain from manufacturing to disposal. Many of these devices are composed of complex materials, complicating waste management and exacerbating environmental pollution.
“This paradoxically undermines global health, which healthcare should aim to protect. Additionally, these linear value chains are costly and prone to disruptions, which can harm hospital operations,” Arnoldy notes.
70 distinct issues
The study identifies 70 distinct issues hospitals face with single-use devices, including their disposal challenges. Arnoldy’s research, which collaborated with industry experts, presents a detailed blueprint for hospitals to become more circular, environmentally friendly, and efficient.
Arnoldy highlights four critical areas for healthcare decision-makers to focus on:
- Track and trace: Essential for transitioning to reusable devices, tracking the usage of medical items helps hospitals identify which devices can be replaced with reusable versions. Improved tracking can be achieved through barcode scanning, RFID technology, or low-energy Bluetooth, potentially automating parts of the logistics infrastructure.
- Life cycle analysis and costing: Further research into life cycle analysis and costing is recommended to shift decision-makers perspectives and highlight the benefits of reusables.
- Monetisation: By monetising devices’ environmental and social impacts, hospitals can better understand which production and disposal options are more sustainable.
- Investment: Although switching to reusable devices requires an initial investment, savings can be realised through reduced expenditures and lower environmental impact.
Arnoldy concludes: “Tracking and tracing are pivotal in the material logistics infrastructure. Identifying and monitoring the locations of medical devices is crucial for hospitals to transition effectively towards a circular system.”
Arnoldy’s research has garnered prestigious accolades, including the Professor Jo van Nunen Award, Vereniging Walhalla Thesis Award, Nevi Thesis Award, and the International Philippe de Woot Award, highlighting its significant contribution to supply chain management and corporate social responsibility.
Featured image: Hospitals are urged to become more circular, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Credit: Ani Kolleshi
