Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on the Reuse of Single-Use Devices in Indian Hospitals
A survey based Cross-sectional Study
Dear Participants,
Greetings from Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) & Christian
Medical College (CMC) Vellore!
This online survey is being conducted by the Department of Interventional Radiology,
Division of Clinical Radiology, CMC Vellore, in collaboration with CAHO. You are invited to
take part in this study. Please read the following information carefully.
1What is reuse of a single-use device (SUD)?
“Reuse” (reprocessing) refers to an original device that has previously been used on a patient and has been subjected to additional cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and integrity checks so that it can be used again. In many centres, particularly in resource limited settings, SUDs should be reprocessed properly and then it is reused to reduce cost and medical waste, even though they were originally labelled for single use.
2What is this study about?
The reuse of SUDs is a widespread in India but an inconsistently regulated practice, and the ISVIR 2025 guidelines were developed to promote its safe, ethical and standardized application under the principle of “reuse but regulate.” This study aims to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of hospitals across India regarding the reuse of SUDs. Understanding these baseline patterns, which will help identify gaps, guide training, and support the uniform implementation of the guidelines to improve patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
3How does the study work?
We have designed a quantitative, self-administered survey delivered through CognitoForms. It collects basic demographic details, followed by a set of knowledge, attitude, and practice questions to assess current practices. There are no right or wrong answers; we simply wish to understand current practice as it is. Furthermore, if we require any clarifications or additional information which is not captured by the survey form, we might reach out to the respective participants and request them to share those information/details if possible.
4Will the details of the participants be shared with the public or others?
No. The data will be anonymized, so the details of individual hospitals participating in the study will not be made available to the public or to any other party. No particular practice will be highlighted or traced back to an individual or institution.
5What are the potential risks to participants in this study?
No potential risks are envisaged. Participation is voluntary, and the confidentiality of the information shared will be strictly maintained so that no specific practice will be identified or traced back to an individual or institution.
6What will I get out of the study?
There are no direct benefits to individual participants from participation. However, there is a societal benefit from the findings, as they will help refine and implement national recommendations for the safe and regulated reuse of single-use devices in Indian Hospitals.
7What happens if I refuse?
There is no obligation to consent to participate in the study. You may decline without giving any reason, and this will not affect you in any way.
8What happens to the results?
The investigators will collate and analyse all information gathered through this survey. Based on the data, the investigators will make recommendations to strengthen and standardise the reuse of single-use devices across hospitals in India. The anonymised data will be used for discussions and may be presented in reports and scientific journals to further inform practice. The investigators will ensure that at no time will any identifying characteristics of any participant or hospital be disclosed to third parties.
Note: The identity of the participants will not be revealed to any third parties
If you agree to take part in the study, you will be required to answer a questionnaire with 22 questions.
It will approximately take 10 minutes.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the following.
Thank you very much!
For further questions feel free to Contact:
Dr. Shyamkumar Nidugala Keshava (Principal Investigator)
Senior Professor & Head,
Department of Interventional Radiology, Division of Clinical Radiology
Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
WhatsApp / Mobile No: 9486384524
Email: shyamkumar.n.keshava@gmail.com