OBJECTIVES: To assess the following themes among referring physicians: A. Importance of acquiring information about previous diagnostic exposures; B. Knowledge about radiation doses involved, familiarity with radiation units and, age related radiosensitivity; C. Opinion on whether patients should be provided information about radiation dose; and, D. Self-assessment of appropriateness of referrals. DESIGN: A prospective survey using a web based questionnaire. SETTING: International survey among referring physicians. PARTICIPANTS: Referring physicians from 28 countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge, opinion and practice of the four themes of the survey. RESULTS: 728 responses from 28 countries (52.3% from developed and 47.7% from developing countries) indicated that while the vast majority (71.7%) of physicians feel that being aware of previous history of CT scans would always or mostly lead them to a better decision on referring patients for CT scans, only 43.4% often enquire about it. The majority of referring physicians (60.5%) stated that having a system that provides quick information about patient exposure history would be useful. The knowledge about radiation doses involved is poor, as only one-third (34.7%) of respondents chose the correct option of the number of chest x-rays with equivalence of a CT scan. 70.9% of physicians stated that they do not feel uncomfortable when patients ask about radiation risk from CT scans they prescribe. Most physicians (85.6%) assessed that they have rarely prescribed CT scans of no clinical use in patient management. CONCLUSIONS: This first ever multi-national survey among referring physicians from 28 countries indicates support for a system that provides radiation exposure history of the patient, demonstrates poor knowledge about radiation doses, supports radiation risk communication with patients and, mandatory provisions for justification of a CT examination.

ObjectivesTo estimate tobacco use prevalence in healthcare workers (HCW) by country income level, occupation and sex, and compare the estimates with the prevalence in the general population.MethodsWe systematically searched five databases; Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL Plus, CAB Abstracts, and LILACS for original studies published between 2000 and March 2016 without language restriction. All primary studies that reported tobacco use in any category of HCW were included. Study extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by three reviewers, using a standardised data extraction and quality appraisal form. We performed random effect meta-analyses to obtain prevalence estimates by World Bank (WB) country income level, sex, and occupation. Data on prevalence of tobacco use in the general population were obtained from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Health Observatory website. The review protocol registration number on PROSPERO is CRD42016041231.Results229 studies met our inclusion criteria, representing 457,415 HCW and 63 countries: 29 high-income countries (HIC), 21 upper-middle-income countries (UMIC), and 13 lower-middle-and-low-income countries (LMLIC). The overall pooled prevalence of tobacco use in HCW was 21%, 31% in males and 17% in females. Highest estimates were in male doctors in UMIC and LMLIC, 35% and 45%, and female nurses in HIC and UMIC, 21% and 25%. Heterogeneity was high (I2 > 90%). Country level comparison suggest that in HIC male HCW tend to have lower prevalence compared with males in the general population while in females the estimates were similar. Male and female HCW in UMIC and LMLIC tend to have similar or higher prevalence rates relative to their counterparts in the general population.ConclusionsHCW continue to use tobacco at high rates. Tackling HCW tobacco use requires urgent action as they are at the front line for tackling tobacco use in their patients.

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Disposable Medical Supplies Market Size 2024-2028

The disposable medical supplies market size is forecast to increase by USD 604.17 billion at a CAGR of 17.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The disposable medical supplies market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing emphasis on infection control in hospitals and healthcare settings. The use of disposable surgical instruments, PVC, and polyethylene sheets helps minimize the risk of surgical site infections, enhancing patient safety. Technological advancements are further improving the quality of disposable medical supplies, including the development of advanced hand sanitizers and improved waste management systems. However, environmental concerns related to improper disposal present a challenge to market expansion. Addressing this issue requires the adoption of eco-friendly materials and proper disposal methods. 
The market is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory as demand for infection control solutions rises. Our detailed analysis of 20 key players provides insights into competitive strategies, product innovations, and market positioning. Among them, 3M offers a range of disposable medical supplies, including the 3M Aura Respirator, Bair Hugger Warming Blanket, and Standard Tie-On Surgical Mask, reinforcing its role as a key industry player.

What will be the Size of the Disposable Medical Supplies Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a wide range of products, including gloves, bandages, drapes and gowns, masks, needles and syringes, sterilization pouches, catheters, and wound care, among others. This market is driven by the growing number of surgical procedures and an increasing focus on infection control in healthcare settings. The use of disposable medical supplies helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and surgical-site infections. According to the World Health Organization, healthcare-associated infections affect an estimated 1.7 million patients in acute-care hospitals each year In the United States alone. The geriatric population and those with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable to these infections.
As a result, the demand for disposable medical supplies continues to grow, with hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, physicians, surgeons, practitioners, immunizing pharmacists, and other healthcare providers relying on these supplies to maintain a clean and safe environment for their patients. PPE bundles, which include masks, gloves, and gowns, have also gained popularity due to the ongoing pandemic. Overall, the market is expected to experience steady growth In the coming years as the healthcare industry continues to prioritize infection control and patient safety.

How is this Disposable Medical Supplies Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The disposable medical supplies industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Gloves
  Drapes and gowns
  Masks
  Others


End-user

  Hospitals and clinics
  Ambulatory surgery center
  Others


Raw Material

  Plastic Resin
  Nonwoven Material
  Rubber
  Paper and Paperboard
  Metals
  Glass
  Others


Product

  Wound Management
  Drug Delivery
  Diagnostic and Laboratory Disposables
  Dialysis Disposables
  Other


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    France
    Spain


  Asia

    China
    India
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The gloves segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is driven by the increasing focus on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the growing number of surgical procedures. Disposable medical gloves are a significant segment of this market due to their role in preventing cross-contamination and surgical-site infections. HAIs are a significant concern in healthcare facilities, including hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes, and ambulatory surgery centers. Factors contributing to HAIs include the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and the geriatric population, whose life expectancies are increasing. Additionally, the widespread availability and affordability of disposable medical supplies, including gloves, bandages, drapes, prefilled syringes, suction catheters, and diagnostic supplies, are fueling market growth.

Medical disposables encompass a diverse range of products, including sterilization consumables, nonwoven medical supplies, and wound care consumables, among others. The plastic resin segment, which includes polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), dominates the market due t