Reprocessing competency of gastrointestine endoscopes, the gap between basic principles and actual practice in endoscopey units in Alexandria University

ABSTRACT

Endoscopy is a major diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the care of patients with disease of the gastro-intestinal tract. Ethically, we are obligated to do the right thing. However, is it fair that the first patient receives a properly cleaned/processed device and subsequent patients may not? All patients have the right to receive the same standard of care. The society of gastroenterology nurses associates [SGNA] presents a standards to be used for all settings where gastrointestinal endoscopy is practiced. The purpose of the study is 1- To assess the endoscopy nurses practice as regard principle of disinfection and sterillization as an infection control in gastrointestinal endoscopy units. 2- To identify the difference between the standard of infection control practice and the actual nurses practice. Nursing practice evaluation sheet includes endoscope reprocessing competency sheet and observational competency checklist were used. It was found that a huge gap exists between what is generally recommended for reprocessing endoscopes and clinical practice and what is practiced