Cost–Benefit Analysis of Single versus Repeated Use of Single-Use Devices in Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the net cost effect associated with the real-world practice of repeated use of designated single-use medical devices (SUDs) versus their proper single use in cataract surgery in Greece. Design: A cost-benefit analysis model was constructed in the form of a decision tree. Methods: A digital expert panel was assembled in order to estimate the probabilities of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with single and repeated use of SUDs. Unit costs for the management of each complication were obtained from the official Greek bulletins. A Monte Carlo-type sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the results. Results: Based on the probabilities of complications attained from the expert panel, repeated use of SUDs is associated with a higher chance of complications compared to single use, which results in higher cost of complication management. Under the healthcare sector perspective, the total expected cost per cataract surgery is 1,403.98€ (1,244.20€ the initial cost of cataract surgery plus 159.78€ the cost of adverse events) in the case of single use, while for repeated use the total cost is 1,486.29€ (1,146.86€ + 339.43€, respectively) and, thus, repeated use of SUDs in cataract surgery results in 82.31€ higher expected cost per patient compared to their single use. Moreover, the societal perspective analysis indicated even higher additional costs in the case of SUD reuse (108.24€). Conclusion: Repeated use of SUDs in cataract surgery is not appropriate, it jeopardizes patient safety and carries a legal liability for the reuser. The present study, which is the first to attach a monetary value to the common yet questionable practice of SUD reuse, shows that it is not cost beneficial. Therefore, it is expected that the results will have implications in policy formulations to improve the delivery of cataract healthcare.

Катарактасы Бар Науқастарға Офтальмологиялық Көмек Көрсетуді Ұйымдастыруды Оңтайландыру

“…Процесс оптимизации требуется так же на этапе после полученного лечения в стационарных и/или амбулаторных условиях. Множество исследований показали значительное снижение как расходов в вопросах менеджмента катаракты, так и развитие послеоперационных осложнений, при улучшенных условиях администрации [51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58]. Так, например, Borkar et al выявили, что послеоперационные обследования на 1-й неделе потенциально могут проводиться по мере необходимости в соответствующей подгруппе пациентов после операции по удалению катаракты [59].…”

“…Вопросы оптимизации после факоэмульсификации катаракты были и далее рассмотрены вышеуказанными авторами, но уже в рамках внедрения стандартного набора вопросов для пациентов, получивших хирургическое лечение [60]. Оптимизация послеоперационного наблюдения за катарактой повысит эффективность офтальмологической помощи и снизит ненужные затраты ресурсов пациентов и врачей [54][55][56][57]58]. Внедрение стандартного набора вопросов, описанного выше, дает офтальмологам возможность отказаться от повторных посещений пациентов, при которых маловероятно изменение протокола по ведению послеоперационной обсервации.…”

Single-use versus reuse of instruments in ophthalmic surgery

“…Advocates of single-device reuse in cataract surgery are driven by the belief that reuse will reduce the overall cost. A cost-benefit analysis comparing the use of single-use versus reusable devices during cataract surgery was reported by Panagiota Naoum et al [3]. Contrary to popular belief, they demonstrated that reusing single-use devices in cataract surgery is not cost-effective.…”