A patient’s preferences for the type of endoscope that is used during a procedure could be influenced by personal income, price and insurance coverage.

And when presented with options, healthcare consumers preferred a single-use endoscope over a reusable device, as well as over a doctor’s preferred endoscope.

That’s according to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing. The research, done in Malaysia, examined consumers' awareness of endoscope preferences which could protect them from the risk of cross-contamination.

“Understanding these factors can help medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers tailor their offerings to meet consumer preferences and market demands,” the study concludes.

Researchers surveyed participants to gauge their hypothetical choices and preferences regarding endoscopes. Among 166 individuals who participated in the survey, 95 preferred single-use endoscopes.

Participants surveyed were asked to evaluate several factors that influenced their preferred choice of endoscope, including price, perceived risk, insurance coverage and endoscope knowledge.

Among the survey participants, 57 percent were women, and 43 percent were men. Most were over age 35.

The researchers found that less than half of the respondents (40 percent) knew the rights regarding endoscope selection available to them in Penang, Malaysia. Endoscope choices are generally made by providers, the authors note, but understanding consumer preferences can inform the way medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers tackle new market demands.

Of course, studies done in other geographic areas, and with a wider swath of patients, will be needed to gain the greatest potential insights into these and other questions, according to the researchers.  

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