OBJECTIVES:

Cystoscopy is the most common procedure performed by urologists in clinic. Efficiency improvements are essential for the delivery of high-quality patient care. Single-use cystoscopes have emerged as an alternative to reusable cystoscopes with the potential for in-clinic time savings and reduction of cross-contamination. We evaluated differences in efficiency and user satisfaction for reusable and single-use cystoscopes in the outpatient setting.

METHODS:

Cystoscopies at a high-volume clinic were randomized into single-use or reusable cystoscopy. Times were recorded starting from set up to in-room cleanup for 60 single-use and 55 reusable cystoscopies. A survey was conducted among providers, nurses, and medical assistants who routinely perform or assist in outpatient cystoscopy to assess utility and satisfaction. Participants were asked to rank both cystoscopes on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very poor, 5 = excellent) regarding efficiency, performance, and satisfaction.

RESULTS:

When compared to reusable, single-use cystoscopes were associated with significant reductions in time spent on pre-patient set up (5:47 vs. 6:50 min, p=0.03), time providers spent in room (7:29 vs. 9:25 min, p=0.02), and time spent on in-room clean up (3:44 vs. 10:02; p<0.005) (Table). Procedure time was not significantly different. When examining total handling time (set up, procedure, and clean up), single-use saved 7:40 min in staff time when compared to reusable cystoscopes (P<0.005). Among survey respondents, 100% ranked single-use cystoscopes 5 for all qualities assessed, compared to reusable cystoscopes which averaged at or below 3.8 for each quality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Single-use cystoscopes can increase efficiency in the clinic in addition to time saved for reprocessing and transport. Additionally, single-use cystoscopes are preferred over reusable cystoscopes by physicians and staff involved in outpatient cystoscopy, and overall satisfaction and perception of benefit to clinic flow is high. Further investigations into cost and sustainability can help clarify the role of single use-cystoscopy when efficiency is of priority.