The First UK Experience with Single-use Disposable Flexible Cystoscopes: An In-depth Cost Analysis, Service Delivery and Patient Satisfaction Rate with Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto

Abstract

Background and ObjectiveAmbu® aScope™ 4 Cysto is a single-use disposable flexible cystoscope that allows clinicians to perform the procedure at any time and any place. It simplifies workflow, frees up resources and allows clinicians to treat more patients. Our trust became the first in the UK and Europe to utilise these cystoscopes. An in-depth evaluation was performed to test its practicality, cost analysis and patient satisfaction against traditional reusable flexible cystoscopes.Material and MethodsWe compared the cost of using Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto to perform flexible cystoscopies in 20 patients prospectively against traditional flexible cystoscopes in 20 patients retrospectively. The cost of the equipment, reprocessing, cleaning supplies and maintenance were consulted from relevant departments and companies. All prospective patients were also given a patient satisfaction questionnaire to complete. An unpaired t-test was used to analyse the data.ResultsOur study revealed that it costs £135.23 and £166.33 on average to perform a flexible cystoscopy using Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto and the traditional flexible cystoscopes, respectively. Our patient survey revealed that there was a statistical significance between the patient experience using the single-use disposable scopes compared with the traditional reusable flexible cystoscopes (P = 0.0455). Further, 95% of patients also preferred a single-use disposable cystoscope over traditional reusable ones, given the option.ConclusionSingle-use disposable flexible cystoscopes are a safe and cost-efficient method of performing the procedure. It is portable and proves to be a simple, efficient and practical way of performing a flexible cystoscopy in an inpatient, outpatient, or emergency setting.