Peer-to-peer assessment of endoscope reprocessing

Editor's Note

In this study, a nonpunitive and collaborative peer methodology for assessing endoscope reprocessing at five Johns Hopkins GI endoscopy sites (three hospital based and two ASCs) was successful in capturing and sharing best practices for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of endoscopes.

The assessments showed that 20 (42%) of 48 possible reprocessing criteria had a noted deficiency at one or more sites. Deficiencies were mostly minor process improvements, and only one critical process required immediate alteration of practice.

Because the assessments were nonpunitive, communication enabled feedback on process improvements, alternate methods to achieve outcomes, and solutions to common issues, the authors say.

Background: Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization (CDS) of medical devices are intended to help prevent health care-associated infections (HAIs), a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. In February 2013 the Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS; Baltimore) formed a clinical community of experts and stakeholders-physicians, nurses, administrators, infection control practitioners, risk managers, and regulatory staff-to assess CDS practices across facilities.