Electronic documentation software for reprocessing endoscopes: Making patient safety key

Casie LeibyContaminated endoscopes are one of several medical devices frequently associated with outbreaks of healthcare associated infections.

Affecting over 1.7 million patients in the United States  each year and leading to nearly 99,000 unnecessary deaths, HAIs also cost hospitals in excess of $45 billion annually. Endoscopes in particular can be difficult to clean as most flexible scopes cannot be heat sterilized. Additionally, many scopes are designed with multiple channels that make cleaning and disinfecting problematic.

However, there are ways to ensure proper reprocessing has occurred through the use of the following methods:

•    Chemical test strips, which test the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of the disinfectant.
•    Biological indicator test strips, which validate sterilization.
•    Use of radio frequency identification (RFID) to track and manage scopes, which eliminates manual input from a keypad or barcode.

The ability to record and quickly access reprocessing data is essential for the safe operation of any endoscopy suite. Currently, several third-party vendors provide software to automate reprocessing documentation but recently we have seen three manufacturers launch their own software for this in addition to real-time reprocessing and tracking information.

Steris
The CS-iQ Sterile processing Workflow Management software provides real-time information to hospitals and reduces paper by electronically capturing data including chemical and biological indicator test data. The software also provides reminders for preventative maintenance for the equipment and daily service tasks and can be accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet.  

Medivators
Endora is an endoscope tracking system that tracks endoscopes through each step of the reprocessing cycle to ensure proper high-level disinfection occurs before use with another patient. The system includes hands-free data entry and customizable software for paperless documentation. Endora also comes with time stamping which promotes adherence to guidelines. It can even alert the operator and send an email if any step in the reprocessing process is omitted. Since it does inventory management, it can also keep track of scopes, track repair history and even ensure storage times are not exceeded.

Olympus

Olympus Reprocessing Management Module (RMM) is an intelligent data management system that interfaces with the Olympus OER-PRO for centralized reprocessing records, which can ensure proper steps are followed and keep documentation compliant. It also automates data capture to minimize the risk of errors with manual entry as well as track usage of scopes, consumables and system. The module is operated through a dedicated computer to record data such as reprocessing cycles, endoscope ID information, staff operators, supply consumption and remote diagnostics. 

Sterilizers and high-level disinfectors create a safer world through prevention of infection and are necessary systems in every hospital. Hopefully we will see more vendors developing their own products for electronic document management for reprocessing in the future to help combat HAIs and improve both patient safety and outcomes.

As an analyst at MD Buyline, Ms. Casie Leiby  is responsible for surgery, endoscopic video systems, sterilizers and washers. She also provides support to surgical robotics, image guided surgery, surgical waste management and patient monitoring. Prior to joining MD Buyline, Ms. Leiby spent ten years with Procter & Gamble as an IT technical support specialist.

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