Remanufacturing of single-use medical devices : a case study on cross-border collaboration between the UK and Nigeria

Oturu, Kingsley and Ijomah, Winifred and Orr, Andrew and Verpeaux, Laura and Broadfoot, Ben and Clark, Stuart and Devine, Ryan (2022) Remanufacturing of single-use medical devices : a case study on cross-border collaboration between the UK and Nigeria. Health and Technology, 12 (2). pp. 273-283. ISSN 2190-7188 (https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-022-00641-2)

[thumbnail of Oturu-etal-HT-2022-Remanufacturing-of-single-use-medical-devices-a-case-study]
Preview
Text. Filename: Oturu_etal_HT_2022_Remanufacturing_of_single_use_medical_devices_a_case_study.pdf
Final Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 logo

Download (1MB)| Preview

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the current state of the remanufacturing of medical devices, considering the differences between developed and developing countries. With reference to various socio-economic factors, the impact of remanufacturing to sustainability was evaluated and from this, single-use medical devices were deemed to be critical in minimising waste within the medical industry. This is even more critical with increasing use of single-use devices in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic. It was identified that cleaning is a key consideration for ensuring a safe remanufacturing process that would minimise the risk of infection to patients. Therefore, this process was evaluated and appropriate recommendations made. Although there may be some challenges, further research would be required for integration of the methodology and process outlined into the medical sector.