[Prerequisites for the implementation of Ultra® packaging to replace containers for three surgical departments: Budget impact analysis].

Objectives: Budgetary impact analysis of the replacement of three surgical departments containers with a new perforation-resistant packaging: Ultra® pouches and reels.

Methods: Comparison of projections of containers costs of use to those of Ultra® packaging over six years. For containers, the costs include washing, packaging, curative maintenance (annual costs), and preventive maintenance (every five years). For Ultra® packaging, the costs include the first year, the purchase of a suitable storage arsenal and a pulse welder, and the transformation of the transport system. Annual costs for Ultra® include packaging and welders maintenance and qualification.

Results: In the first year, the costs with Ultra® packaging are higher than the cost related to the container model because the initial investment for the installation is not completely offset by the cost of preventive maintenance of the containers. However, from the second year of use of the Ultra®, an annual saving of €19,356 is expected and up to €49,849 in the sixth year (new preventive maintenance of containers needed). In six years, a saving of €116,186 is expected, which represents 40.4% savings compared to the container model.

Conclusions: The budget impact analysis is in favor of the implementation of Ultra® packaging. The expenses related to the purchase of the arsenal, a pulse welder and the adaptation of the transport system should be amortized from the second year. Significant savings are even expected.