Infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists can play a "significant role" in helping hospital endoscopy departments reduce or eliminate infections caused from duodenoscopes, according to a joint statement from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
APIC and SHEA are "concerned about recent reports of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections linked to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography duodenoscopes," according to the statement, but believe that IPs and HEs can help prevent future infections.
The professionals can do so by observing scope cleaning practices and reinforcing the importance of the work being done, according to the statement. They should be on the lookout for the following factors that could negatively impact the cleaning process:
- Improper or dim lighting
- Distractions
- Interruptions in the process
- Demands for rapid turnaround
IPs and HEs can also promote a culture where workers are empowered to speak up if they see an issue that could jeopardize patient safety, according to APIC and SHEA.