Performance Improvement Measure:
Purchase single-use devices (SUD) that can be reprocessed.
Category:
Medical Products
Subcategory:
Contracted Services
Department:
Purchasing
Level:
Intermediate
PIM Type:
Waste Reduction
Description:
• Work with FDA-approved SUD vendors to target devices that can be reprocessed.
• Prioritize purchase of devices that are easy to reprocess, like compression sleeves.
Policy/Compliance Considerations:
• Ensure your SUP reprocessor is registered with and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Robust programs are available in the marketplace and work well in hospitals that are committed and organized. Staff members who are uneducated about reprocessing may resist implementaiton. Administrative support is necessary when OEM representatives speak against the practice.
How-To:
• Work with FDA-approved SUD vendors to target devices that can be reprocessed.
• Gather accurate costs for disposal versus reprocessing for all single-use devices.
• Evaluate potential SUD reprocessors. Practice Greenhealth has a set of questions to use: http://cms.h2e-online.org/ee/waste-reduction/waste-minimization/single-use-device-reprocessing.
• Phase in any program over time, with a written implementation plan and a team. Ensure you have ongoing field support and accountability. AHRMM has a presentation on SUD reprocessing that includes basic information and best practices, at http://www.ahrmm.org/ahrmm/kc_documents/public/SUD%20Reprocessing%20Current%20and%20Future%20State%20.pdf.
Tools:
EPP Considerations:
SUD reprocessing has the potential to reduce waste, and the costs of RMW treatment.
Links/Resources:
The Association of Medical Device Reprocessors: http://www.amdr.org/
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/ReprocessingofSingle-UseDevices/default.htm
http://cms.h2e-online.org/ee/waste-reduction/waste-minimization/single-use-device-reprocessing/
http://www.ahrmm.org/ahrmm/kc_documents/public/SUD%20Reprocessing%20Current%20and%20Future%20State%20.pdf