Gynecological Speculums in the Context of the Circular Economy

Abstract

This study discusses the issue of disposable and reusable medical devices in the context of the circular economy. Its objective is to analyze the opinions of physicians in gynecological practice on the use of disposable and reusable gynecological speculums (GS). A questionnaire survey was carried out in a sample of 206 healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic. In addition to this, the cost of both examination methods was calculated and compared using data provided by a gynecological department of a typical district hospital. The calculations and cost analysis were performed using the life-cycle costing (LCC) method. The economic comparison shows that the use of disposable gynecological speculums is less expensive, having, however, a greater negative impact on the environment. The cost of reusable speculums for 25 examinations per day for 15 years is EUR 51,579, while it is EUR 23,998 for disposable speculums for the same use and time horizon. The questionnaire survey shows that both physicians and patients are more likely to prefer disposable speculums for examination, although without a clear rationale.