Training
(like ICE) that can be remembered and applied. For the Scopes, we came up with TWICE. This provides five key considerations when inspecting scopes and anyone can learn this and make a difference to their own development, patient safety and budget.
l Tip - Check the tip of the endoscope for sharpness and any type of damage to the tube such as dents and cracks.
l Windows - Make sure the windows at the tip and eyepiece are free from dirt and cracks.
l Illumination - Hold the scope lightpost to a light source to see if the output is bright and clear at the tip.
l Clarity - Look through the eyepiece, is the image clear and free from shadows, dots and lines.
l Environment - If you think twice and the endoscope isn’t suitable for use then think of the environment and repair instead of replace.
Inspection: what to look for While TWICE works well for rigid scope repairs, assessing other instruments can be a bit trickier because there are so many different types. One basic thing to do is to check if articulated instruments need lubrication regularly to prevent issues like rust or breakage during use. It’s also important to keep an eye out for
any cracks or rust spots on instruments, for instance, which can be fixed easily. By identifying and addressing potential problems early on, healthcare staff can avoid more significant issues that could compromise patient care or necessitate costly repairs. While this may seem time consuming, it will help reduce the need to replace instruments
plan. The importance of this testing is to identify any instruments that require repair before they become a problem during use.
Top tips The recent legal requirements for Social Value present a remarkable opportunity to assess medical companies not just for their products, but for the comprehensive value they bring to stakeholders. This includes considering social and environmental contributions such as training programmes, employment opportunities for apprentices, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. In essence, a new definition of ‘quality’ is emerging – one that goes beyond the traditional metrics of product performance. So, how can hospitals maximise quality? The following offers some helpful tips: 1. Product standards: Ensure that medical products meet established standards like ISO 7153 for stainless steel surgical instruments. Compliance with these standards is crucial for optimal performance. Using subpar materials can lead to issues such as blunt edges or compromised durability, undermining patient safety and effectiveness.
that potentially corrode, bind up, or worse still, break during use. Something that often gets overlooked is the surface condition of the device. Are there cracks around the joints, or potential spots of rust that could be easily treated with some Surgistain, for instance? The hope is that hospitals will start testing
scissors regularly in their sterile service departments, using materials recommended by British or DIN (German Institute for Standardisation) standards, or at least implementing some form of periodic testing
2. Preventative maintenance: Adopt a proactive approach to maintenance. Regular checks and preventative refurbishment of surgical sets can extend their lifespan significantly, offering substantial returns on a small investment. This not only benefits hospital budgets but also enhances safety by pre- emptively addressing issues before they escalate.
3. Implementing ‘ICE’ principles: Apply the ‘ICE’ principles – Inspection, Challenge, and Evaluation – vigorously, especially when dealing with repairs. Vigilant inspection helps identify issues like the use of inappropriate materials such as mild steel or brass in instrument maintenance.
By integrating these top tips into your medical equipment management practices, hospitals can not only meet regulatory requirements, but also maximise the social value and quality of the services they provide.
A delicate balance Caring for surgical instruments requires a delicate balance of skill, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. The implications for patient safety are profound, as the reliability and integrity of these instruments directly impact the success and safety of medical procedures.
In 2019, the ABHI, the UK’s leading industry
association for health technology released its April 2024 I
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