This paper is only available as a PDF. To read, Please Download here.
Background
In 2020, our organization added an infection prevention role for approximately 250
affiliated ambulatory clinics. A rounding assessment tool was developed and initiated.
During this initial rounding, it was discovered that several locations were not performing
High Level Disinfection on endocavity ultrasound probes, and those that were performing
the HLD, were not following manufacturer's guidelines. Upon further investigation,
similar findings were discovered for both HLD of endoscopes as well as sterilization
using tabletop autoclaves. There was no official training or competency program in
place for any of these processes in the ambulatory clinics.
Methods
First, a gap analysis was performed. Data was collected on the current processes and
a complete device inventory was created. A cluster analysis was performed and revealed
the infection rate among potentially affected patients over the last 3 years to be
within the expected range. A 3rd party infection control consultant was brought in
to validate and verify our proposed plan of creating new processes, educating staff,
and developing a sustainable competency program.
Results
Broken processes were immediately halted and corrected. Three competency programs
were developed and implemented for HLD and Sterilization, which included online modules,
webinars, hands-on training (for endoscopes), and a competency check-off. This involved
175 staff members in almost 50 clinics across the state and only one IP. New logs
were created and distributed to the practices as well as supply lists of necessary
items to maintain compliance.
Conclusions
At the time of this abstract, 64% of staff had completed the competency training and
were checked-off. Those who are unable to complete it by the deadline, will be unable
to perform that skill. This will be a required annual competency moving forward.
To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
Purchase one-time access:
Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online accessOne-time access price info
- For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
- For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'
Subscribe:
Subscribe to American Journal of Infection ControlAlready a print subscriber? Claim online access
Already an online subscriber? Sign in
Register: Create an account
Institutional Access: Sign in to ScienceDirect
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
