Healthcare Hygiene magazine November 2019

Recent Survey Reveals Reprocessing Challenges Cori Ofstead presented key findings from a survey of IAHCSMM members. In a survey of the membership of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), just two-thirds believed that manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU) were understand- able. This and other eye-opening findings were unearthed last year by the experts at Ofstead & Associates, who conducted the inquiry to learn which methods are currently used to reprocess endoscopes and what is being done to manage quality. Additionally, the researchers wanted to better understand what challenges IAHCSSM members face related to endoscope reprocessing and gather ideas about potential solutions that could improve the outcomes of reprocessing. A total of 2,334 IAHCSMM members completed the survey. Regarding reprocessing practices, the researchers found that: Regarding testing the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of HLD before or during each cycle to ensure the HLD is strong enough: 69 % of respondents follow at least one guideline 49 % said their facilities follow multiple guidelines 84 % had read IFUs for endoscopes 69 % felt the IFUs were understandable 66 % or feasible 67 % believed that endoscope IFUs were based on scientific evidence Regarding the chemistries used for reprocessing flexible endoscopes, the researchers found: 27 % OPA Hydrogen peroxide 22 % Peracetic acid 21 % Glutaraldehyde Products with more than one chemistry 26 79 % reported that MEC tests were done every cycle 3 % tested several times per day 14 % tested MEC only daily 4 % never tested MEC or tested it less than once per day 51 % said that MEC results were documented 10 % Regarding AER failures: 46 % observed one or more AER cycle failures in the previous month • AER cycle failures were frequently attributed to water filter or water flow issues, temperature errors, or leak test failures and channel blockages 5 % november 2019 • www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com

Healthcare Hygiene magazine November 2019 | Page 26