600 QIP: Assessing the Financial Impact of Single-Use Ambulatory Flexible Cystoscopy

Aim Single-use ambulatory flexible cystoscopes were introduced at a university hospital with the aim of improving patient care, overcoming issues with the availability of emergency theatres, and reducing the associated financial burden. Method The number of procedures listed as “cystoscopy and catheter insertion” or “flexible cystoscopy” on the electronic emergency theatre system “theatreman” were reviewed between 1/3/2019 to 1/3/2021. The second data cycle was between 02/03/2021 to 1/03/2023 after the introduction of the cystoscopes. Results Fifteen procedures occurred in the emergency theatre between 1/3/2019 and 1/3/2021. In the second cycle only one procedure was recorded between 2/3/2021 and 1/3/2023. The average cost per operation in the emergency theatre was £2,321.80. Whereas a single-use ambulatory flexible cystoscope cost £222.00. The cumulative emergency theatre cost was £34,827.00 prior to the introduction of the cystoscopes. 46.7% (7/15) of the procedures occurred after 8pm. Conclusions The introduction of single-use ambulatory flexible cystoscopes successfully reduced the number of cystoscopies and catheter insertions undertaken in the emergency theatre. This was reflected in a decline in emergency theatre costs. The use of a single-use ambulatory flexible cystoscope was £2,099.80 less than the cost to run an operation in an emergency theatre. The portable nature of the cystoscopes circumvented issues with accessing emergency theatre, reducing the wait-time from diagnosis to treatment. These results suggest that single-use ambulatory flexible cystoscopes are a cost-effective means of improving patient care.