ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the repetitive use of disposable tracheal suction tubes is cost-effective and safe over the single use. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The cost intrinsic to the washing, cleaning, re-sterilization by ethylene oxide gas, and processing was determined and compared to the cost generated by disposable tubes. The reused disposable suction tubes were also determined for their properties in physical characters and probable contamination and damages. RESULTS: The evaluation showed that cost from single-use disposable suction tubes (8.66 baht) was cheaper than expenses generated from processing steps for recycling of disposable tubes (9.92 baht). The use of a disposable tube only once should minimize the risks posed by the use of the potentially unsafe reused disposable tubes both to the patients and health care workers. CONCLUSION: Recycling of tracheal suction tubes was neither cost-effective nor safe.
Subject(s)
Cost-Benefit Analysis , Disposable Equipment/economics , Equipment Failure , Equipment Reuse/economics , Hospital Costs , Humans , Intubation, Intratracheal/adverse effects , Risk Assessment , Safety , Suction/adverse effects , ThailandABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the roles of infection control nurses (ICNs) in regional hospitals and to detect problems, obstacles in practice and needs for support. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive study by interview and questionnaire survey of 16 ICNs from regional hospitals appling for HA. RESULTS: From February to April 2002, a study by interview and questionnaires was done in 16 ICNs from 10 regional hospitals applying for HA. Most of the ICNs practised IC roles according to HA criteria except for hospital employee health, NI surveillance and research. The major problems and obstacles included the lack of IC positions, inadequate ICNs, lack of support from hospital administrative personnel, too heavy work load, lack of: IC experts, budget for IC, equipment, IC research data and education material. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that roles of ICNs in hospital employee health, NI surveillance and research were inadequate because of the lack of full time ICNs, too heavy a work load, lack of: IC consultants supply and administrative support.