Decontamination experts recently shared their insights into maximising patient care and efficiencies, through low temperature sterilisation of medical devices.
Expert speakers and delegates recently shared their insights and experiences of maximising patient care and efficiencies, through low temperature sterilisation of medical devices, at a recent educational workshop, hosted by Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP). LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.
Interest in low temperature sterilisation methods has increased significantly in recent years and some of the key considerations were explored at an educational workshop attended by delegates, from healthcare organisations across the UK, with an interest in infection prevention and decontamination. The programme consisted of interactive sessions tackling key issues, such as: ‘which instruments should be deemed high risk and suitable for sterilisation?’; ‘Is high level disinfection of ‘semi-critical’ instruments enough?’ and ‘what are the options available?’
The workshop opened with a reminder of the impact of using dirty endoscopes and other reusable instruments, coupled with group discussion focused on: ‘the reasons why we perform decontamination’. The first priority, highlighted by delegates, included: the need to ‘protect patients from disease or death’ – healthcare-associated infection may be transmitted from an unsterilised or improperly disinfected instrument. Additionally, failure of the instrument may lead to an unsuccessful procedure such as an endoscopic stent or hip replacement failing. Other reasons highlighted included:
• To protect staff from disease.
• Protect against litigation and dismissal.
• Protect the organisation’s reputation.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and best practice.
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