The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America have released a joint statement in the wake of recent reports of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections associated with duodenoscopes.
The organizations stress the need to thoroughly investigate the source of any infection and the important roles infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists play in doing so.
"The IP or HE will evaluate human factors, including ensuring that the cleaning area is set up with a bright light and magnification so all sections of the scope being cleaned can be well visualized. Other factors that could negatively impact the cleaning process include distractions, interruptions in the process, or demands for rapid scope turn-around," says the report.
APIC and SHEA concluded the statement by urging providers to foster a culture in which healthcare workers can speak up if they see any issues that could affect patient safety.