Blog

There are various aspects to consider when choosing between disposable or reusable consumables in a hospital setting. Of particular note are safety, convenience, efficiency, cost and sustainability factors, all of which must be explored as part of the decision-making process. There are several benefits and disadvantages for both types of consumables, meaning that hospitals will implement different solutions depending on their needs, institutional goals and broader priorities. 

Disposable Consumables: Optimising Safety and Workflow Efficiency

Disposable consumables have long been a cornerstone of healthcare, gaining even greater prominence during the pandemic. And for good reason as they provide a unique combination of safety and convenience within any healthcare setting. Infection control is optimised when items such as surgical drapes, gloves, aprons, syringes and medical instruments are delivered pre-cleaned or sterilised, opened for the procedure and then disposed of afterwards. The immediate availability of ready-to-use items also enhances workflow efficiency for the healthcare team, streamlining clinical procedures for reduced treatment time. This benefits the healthcare facility with short turnaround times and greater capacity for patients, while improving the patient experience at the same time. Reusable medical devices on the other hand, have always carried a degree of risk for cross-contamination, surgical site infections than a single-use device. Therefore, disposable consumables provide a straightforward way to comply with infection control regulations, which highlight single-use products as the most effective means of avoiding cross-contamination.ⁱ This is the main reason the shift in using single-use medical devices and disposable medical supplies has occurred.

Of course, the single-use nature of these products creates some negative affects too. Top of the list is the environmental impact of discarding so many items every single day. Approximately one-third of all hospital waste is plastic,ⁱⁱ a large proportion of which will be everyday disposable items. 

The environmental impact of medical waste is a key consideration when evaluating single-use versus reusable medical devices. Since disposable devices are often seen as less sustainable, manufacturers are exploring alternative solutions. Some companies have introduced biodegradable plastics and eco-friendly packaging, while others focus on developing recyclable disposable instruments as a more cost-effective approach to waste management.

Supply chain issues are another potential challenge with such a massive reliance on new product availability – this once again came to the fore during the pandemic when hospitals across Australia faced major supply chain disruptions for essential medical stock.ⁱⁱⁱ Finally, there is a cost associated with the continuous purchase of new products, which can become a substantial burden for many medical facilities. 

Reusable Alternatives 

In contrast, the implementation of reusable items often affords cost-savings in the long-term, lowering monthly outgoings considerably. It also helps to lower the amount of plastic and other waste generated within the hospital, reducing its carbon footprint taking positive steps towards a more sustainable future. With less reliance on external sources for a constant supply of products, there is also a much lower risk of service disruptions as the healthcare facility can operate more autonomously.  

However, reusables also come with hidden costs related to sterilisation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Decontamination requires significant resources, including large volumes of water, detergents, chemical disinfectants, specialised cleaning equipment, steam, and electricity. These factors contribute to ecological concerns, with the added energy consumption further increasing operational costs.

Beyond environmental and logistical challenges, one of the greatest barriers to replacing single-use items with reusable alternatives in hospitals are concerns regarding lack of regulatory compliance and individual motivation to be more sustainable.^iv Additionally, reprocessing workflows demand specific expertise and time from healthcare staff, which can be a limiting factor in busy hospital settings. As a result, disposable consumables continue to play a crucial role in optimising safety, efficiency, and resource management within healthcare facilities.

The Best of Both Worlds

For many hospital and healthcare facilities, a combination of disposable and reusable products is most appropriate. This will also enable staff to optimise the safety and efficiency benefits available while benefiting from cost-savings and protecting the environment in some way too. Getz Healthcare is pleased to offer a comprehensive range of consumables designed to meet the needs of every medical setting. Including both reusable and single-use items, the portfolio consists of Airway Management Devices, Haemodialysis Accessories, Drainage Bags, CTG Belts, Surgical Solutions & Accessories and more. To discover our solutions, visit our website, or Contact Us today. 

ⁱ  Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. Australian Government. National Health and Medical Research Council. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. February 2020. 

ⁱⁱ Climate and Health Alliance. Caha. New campaign to reduce single use plastic in healthcare. December 2021. https://www.caha.org.au/reducing_sup_in_health [Accessed January 2025]

ⁱⁱⁱ Bhaskar S, Tan J, Bogers MLAM, Minssen T, Badaruddin H, Israeli-Korn S, Chesbrough H. At the Epicenter of COVID-19-the Tragic Failure of the Global Supply Chain for Medical Supplies. Front Public Health. 2020 Nov 24;8:562882. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.562882. PMID: 33335876; PMCID: PMC7737425.

^iv Davies, Jessica & McGain, Forbes & Sloan, Evelyn & Francis, Jill & Best, Stephanie. (2024). A qualitative exploration of barriers, enablers, and implementation strategies to replace disposable medical devices with reusable alternatives. The Lancet Planetary Health. 8. e937-e945. 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00241-9.