Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | October 2024-Infection Control in GI Endoscopy: Global Overview

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video emphasizes the crucial importance of maintaining a culture of safety in endoscopy units, particularly concerning infection control. The speaker highlights the necessity for high-quality procedures and administrative oversight to ensure patient safety, focusing on infection transmission risks. They address both patient-to-patient and patient-to-staff transmission, emphasizing the need for rigorous hand hygiene, appropriate PPE, and sterilization protocols.<br /><br />Infection risks are primarily linked to inadequate endoscope reprocessing and the challenges in cleaning complex tools like duodenoscopes. The video discusses developments in response to outbreaks, such as updated reprocessing guidelines, enhanced cleaning techniques, and the introduction of single-use duodenoscopes to mitigate risks.<br /><br />Furthermore, the speaker stresses a multidisciplinary approach and the balance between necessary antibiotic usage and antimicrobial stewardship to combat resistance. Protecting staff through consistent safety practices also remains essential: an overarching message that meticulous reprocessing, staff training, and adherence to guidelines is vital for high-quality, safe endoscopy services.

Asset Subtitle

Rahul Pannala, MD MPH FASGE

Keywords

endoscopy safety

infection control

reprocessing guidelines

antimicrobial stewardship

hand hygiene

single-use duodenoscopes