Reprocessing Flexible Endoscopes

The tools for managers of ambulatory endoscopic units to effectively evaluate all the required components of an endoscope reprocessing program.

1.25 Contact Hours for Nurses

Ambulatory Surgical Courses:

Using an Infection Control Risk Assessment to Create an Infection Control Plan for an ASC 5th Ed.

Administration of Moderate Sedation and Analgesia: Keeping the Patient Safe, 4th Ed.

A Primer for Designated Infection Control Managers in Ambulatory Surgical Settings, 5th Ed.

Reprocessing Flexible Endoscopes: Policies, Practice and Compliance
(available until 3/31/12)

In November, 2009, a joint statement was issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to advise health care facilities of the safety and infection risks to patients associated with improper reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and accessories. The advisory was reviewed by the Joint Commission and included specific recommendations for both health care institutions and device manufacturers regarding the administrative and technical procedures that must be in place to ensure that risks are effectively minimized.

The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the most current nationally recognized standards and guidelines for flexible endoscope reprocessing programs. At the completion of this course, the RN will be able to effectively evaluate the fundamental components of an endoscopic equipment reprocessing program that minimizes infection risks and promotes patient safety through compliance with recognized national guidelines and regulatory and accreditation standards.

In addition to the course work, participants will be provided with reference material and links to all nationally recognized infection control guidelines pertinent to the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and accessories.

ACCREDITATION

This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, Inc., an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

AORN recognized this activity as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition did not imply that AORN or the ANCC Commission on Accreditation approved or endorsed any product included in the presentation.

This continuing education activity was approved by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Target Audience

Nurses and Health Professionals who are administratively responsible for a facility program for reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and accessories in the ambulatory surgical setting.

Contact Hours

1.25 Contact Hours will be awarded upon successful completion of this activity.

Purpose/ Goal Of This Activity:

At the completion of this course, the RN will be able to effectively evaluate the fundamental components of an endoscopic equipment reprocessing program that minimizes infection risks and promotes patient safety through compliance with recognized national guidelines and regulatory and accreditation standards. The course material covers the required administrative components for a compliant endoscopic reprocessing program.

Instructions For Completing This Course

Register for the course by clicking the link at the bottom of the page entitled REGISTER FOR COURSE. As you read through the material on the course pages, you will be occasionally prompted to answer exam questions. There is a total of 14 multiple choice questions in this course. You must achieve a grade of 80% (12 correct answers) to receive a certificate.

When you have answered the last exam question, the Course Results page will display. This page will contain your final grade and allow you to immediately print your certificate if you have scored a minimum grade of 80%. Your certificate will also be available on your Control Panel where you may print it at any time.

Course work does not need to be completed in one online session. You can log off at any point and return to the course at your convenience.

The Course Reference Page available at the completion of the course will contain many useful reference documents from notable sources pertinent to material covered in this course. Links to all nationally recognized guidelines and recommendations necessary to serve as the basis for development of policies and procedures in the ambulatory surgical setting will be available on that page at all times following successful completion of the course.

Registration Fee

The registration fee for this course is $19.00. Your registration fee includes two opportunities to pass the examination and permanent access to all reference material.

This course is only available until March 31, 2012.

If you have any questions or concerns about this course, you may contact a Customer Service representative at 718-648-8080, or e-mail us at ceo.contact7@proceo.com.