EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF A SHEATHED FIBEROPTIC SIGMOIDOSCOPE COMPARED WITH A CONVENTIONAL SIGMOIDOSCOPE

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure and compare time and pro ductivity between a new sheathed flexible sigmoidoscope and a traditio nal fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscope relative to labor and cost analy sis. METHODS: Two flexible sigmoidoscopes, the Vision Sciences sigmoid oscope using a protective sheath covering requiring removal and replac ement between procedures and a conventional flexible sigmoidoscope req uiring meticulous cleaning using a washer and high-level disinfection, were compared, Sigmoidoscope preparation was defined as the average t ime between the procedures (reprocessing, start to finish) and aas mea sured by an independent nonmedical timekeeper (JG). The parameter reco rded was scope reprocessing time, RESULTS: Ten procedures were perform ed using the sheathed flexible sigmoidoscope system compared with nine using a conventional sigmoidoscope, Scope performance and endoscopic visualization for both systems were comparable, The average reprocessi ng time was 46.8 minutes for the conventional sigmoidoscope vs. 4.9 mi nutes for the sheathed sigmoidoscope (P < 0.0001), The average rime sa ved was 9.5 times greater with the sheathed flexible sigmoidoscope sys tem than with the conventional sigmoidoscope, CONCLUSION: The almost t enfold difference in the time saved using the sheathed flexible sigmoi doscope system represents increased productivity and potentially decre ased overall labor cost. By reducing endoscope turnover time? this new sheathed system can reduce or even eliminate the need for backup endo scopes and endoscope washers and potentially allow better use of nursi ng staff.