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Annals of Intensive Care
Published in: Annals of Intensive Care 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Cost analysis of single-use (Ambu® aScope™) and reusable bronchoscopes in the ICU

Authors: S. Perbet, M. Blanquet, C. Mourgues, J. Delmas, S. Bertran, B. Longère, V. Boïko-Alaux, P. Chennell, J.-E. Bazin, J.-M. Constantin

Published in: Annals of Intensive Care | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Flexible optical bronchoscopes are essential for management of airways in ICU, but the conventional reusable flexible scopes have three major drawbacks: high cost of repairs, need for decontamination, and possible transmission of infectious agents. The main objective of this study was to measure the cost of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) using reusable bronchoscopes and single-use bronchoscopes in an ICU of an university hospital. The secondary objective was to compare the satisfaction of healthcare professionals with reusable and single-use bronchoscopes.

Methods

The study was performed between August 2009 and July 2014 in a 16-bed ICU. All BAL and PT procedures were performed by experienced healthcare professionals. Cost analysis was performed considering ICU and hospital organization. Healthcare professional satisfaction with single-use and reusable scopes was determined based on eight factors. Sensitivity analysis was performed by applying discount rates (0, 3, and 5%) and by simulation of six situations based on different assumptions.

Results

At a discount rate of 3%, the costs per BAL for the two reusable scopes were 188.86€ (scope 1) and 185.94€ (scope 2), and the costs per PT for the reusable scope 1 and scope 2 and single-use scopes were 1613.84€, 410.24€, and 204.49€, respectively. The cost per procedure for the reusable scopes depended on the number of procedures performed, maintenance costs, and decontamination costs. Healthcare professionals were more satisfied with the third-generation single-use Ambu® aScope™.

Conclusions

The cost per procedure for the single-use scope was not superior to that for reusable scopes. The choice of single-use or reusable bronchoscopes in an ICU should consider the frequency of procedures and the number of bronchoscopes needed.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Cost analysis of single-use (Ambu® aScope™) and reusable bronchoscopes in the ICU
Authors
S. Perbet
M. Blanquet
C. Mourgues
J. Delmas
S. Bertran
B. Longère
V. Boïko-Alaux
P. Chennell
J.-E. Bazin
J.-M. Constantin
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Annals of Intensive Care / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2110-5820
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13613-016-0228-3

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