As hospitals and health systems see an unfortunate rise in the number of patients treated with improperly processed endoscopes, Dawn England, MD, shared several implementable methods with Infection Control Today.
Here's what you should know.
1. Until technology improves and better scopes are developed, healthcare systems should examine their current endoscope reprocessing program to ensure it's up to par. Reprocessing staff should be trained to ensure proper protocol is followed.
2. Dr. England recommends the use of a Key Driver Diagram. It can display a structured roadmap of steps. The diagrams work by organizing a goal and then displaying the associated tactics needed to accomplish the goal.
3. Organizations need to have a top-down approach to endoscope reprocessing. Teams should have engaged leaders be a source of "will" for improvement efforts.
To that accord, Dr. England advocates for the establishment of a leadership committee. The committee can be in charge of setting expectations and ensuring they are met. She encourages a committee consist of the following team members: risk management personnel, C-level executives (CNO, CMO), surgeons, GI physicians, infection prevention, endoscopy leadership and perioperative leadership.
4. Organizations need to have a person in charge of implementing the latest information available on scope reprocessing. By staying up-to-date on methods and procedures, organizations can work to mitigate risks.
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