OBJECTIVES

The Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme (MTEP) at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) evaluates medical devices to produce either medical technology guidance or medtech innovation briefings (MIBs). MIBs are NICE advice that aims to present a summary of the evidence for new and innovative devices. Sustainability of medical devices is an aspect which NICE explores in the notification form submitted by companies and is becoming an increasingly important global consideration as we look to improve efficiency and reduce waste. This report assesses medical device sustainability benefits claimed by companies and whether there is evidence to back up these claims.

METHODS

Notification forms and submissions to MTEP were sampled and the claims made on sustainability for a device were reviewed and collated. Evidence to support these benefits was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Preliminary analysis indicates for companies who submitted notifications to MTEP, 60% did not submit any sustainability claims. In the 40% who did claim sustainable benefits of their device, 75% were related to a reduction in resource use. These resources included medical consumables, length of hospital stay, pharmaceutical use and hospital admissions. Evidence to support the claims were available relating to a reduction in resources and reduction in electricity use.

CONCLUSIONS

We are currently not at a stage where companies are developing medical technologies with sustainability issues in mind. Cost and efficacy of a medical device are prioritised, possibly at the expense of greener materials or more energy efficient production processes. The main sustainability benefits claimed relate to a reduction in resources, which ultimately aims to reduce cost. Multiple aspects of sustainability such as recycling, disposal and demand for resources are all important factors to consider when assessing the wider resource impact of a device.