Taiwanese healthcare providers’ attitudes regarding reprocessing and reuse of single-use devices

Objectives: Reusing medical single-use devices (SUDs) has been increasing worldwide. However, there is limited understanding regarding healthcare workers’ perceptions of SUD standards and regulations. The study examined knowledge of and attitudes towards SUDs in Taiwanese healthcare providers. Methods: Overall, 900 healthcare providers from 20 cities/counties in Taiwan participated in a nationwide cross-sectional study. A questionnaire based on recommendations from the Infection Control Society of Taiwan was developed and it demonstrated good psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha= 0.66-90). The questionnaire assessed SUD-related knowledge, opinions, institutional/administrative policies, quality control, and institutional safety procedures. Linear regression models investigated associations of SUD-related factors with participant characteristics. Results: Although most participants (90 %) knew that unprocessed SUDs should not be reused and may threaten patients, approximately half supported SUD reuse and were confident that their institutions could reprocess SUDs. Almost all participants (>95 %) supported standard protocols for reprocessing of SUDs. Institution type (medical center vs. regional/district hospitals) and work experience related to views on SUD reuse/reprocessing (p<0.05). Conclusions: Despite positive attitudes of Taiwanese healthcare workers toward SUD reprocessing/reuse, many did not have adequate knowledge regarding current standards/regulations in their worksite. Designing interventions to promote Taiwanese healthcare workers' awareness of the common regulations or guidelines related to SUDs reprocessing/reuse is suggested.