Perceived contamination rates and contributing factors associated with reusable gastroscopes amongst Japanese endoscopists and procurement managers: A survey-based investigation

Aims: We aimed to investigate the perceived contamination rate of reusable gastroscopes stated amongst Japanese gastrointestinal  endoscopists and procurement managers.
Methods: Between 24 September 2020 and 12 October 2020, a total of 50  endoscopists and 20 procurement managers from Japan answered an electronic survey concerning their perceived contamination rates and reprocessing setups. Data were collected using QuestionPro and analysed using a Stata/SE version 16.1, StataCorp.
Results: The average stated contamination rate associated with reusable gastroscopes was 10.98% (95% Cl: 5.76% - 16.20%) amongst endoscopists. Procurement managers stated a contamination rate of 17.4% (95% Cl: 7.49% - 27.31%), which was higher than the contamination rate stated amongst endoscopists (p=0.211). Endoscopists who are members of Value Analysis Committees stated a higher contamination rate (15%) compared to those who were not members (10%) (p=0.474). Twenty-four (48%) of the endoscopists did not know how reusable gastroscopes were being reprocessed. Nine (18%) answered that high-level disinfection was used at their endoscopy unit, and 12 (24%) stated that ethylene oxide (EtO) was used to reprocess their reusable gastroscopes. Amongst procurement managers, 25% were unaware of the reprocessing setup. 
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that contamination issues associated with reusable gastroscopes are acknowledged amongst Japanese endoscopists and procurement managers.