Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during endoscopy and reprocessing
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- internal users - Free!
- AMBUMEMBER - $29
- Member - $29
Eligible for Contact Hours | IAHCSMM: 1.0 Contact Hours | CBSPD: 1.0 Contact Hours | RN: 1.0 Contact Hours
Endoscopy and reprocessing personnel are exposed to numerous hazards on the job, including toxic chemicals, sick patients, and biohazardous materials. Endoscopes are used in diverse procedures and personnel may come into contact with blood, feces, mucus, and other secretions harboring potential pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical in shielding healthcare workers from these occupational health exposures, but only if it is used properly every time. This webinar summarizes key federal regulations and professional standards that guide PPE practice during endoscopic procedures and reprocessing activities. The presenter is an epidemiologist and infection control expert. She will provide insights from her research and auditing experience, published evidence, and government documents that support the rationale for correct and consistent PPE use. This webinar also provides frontline personnel and managers with strategies for sustainable, science-driven methods for improving routine PPE adherence and addressing PPE shortages in times of crisis.
Objectives
By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the rationale for wearing PPE during endoscopic procedures and reprocessing
- Describe regulations, standards, and guidelines for PPE when handling endoscopes
- Identify occupational health risks that PPE is intended to mitigate
- Explain strategies for conserving PPE during shortages and times of crisis
- Outline approaches for improving PPE adherence and effectiveness
Content outline
- COVID-19 context
- Real-world risks and harm due to improper PPE use
- Regulations, standards, and guidelines for PPE use
- Methods for donning and doffing PPE
- Challenges impacting PPE use
- Strategies for improving effectiveness
- Key takeaways and recommendations
- References
- Sponsor acknowledgement (Supported by an educational grant from Healthmark)
Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President & CEO, Ofstead & Associates
Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, IAHCSMM, AORN, SGNA, AGA, and several universities. In addition, she currently serves as a preceptor for epidemiology students in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.
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