DECONTAMINATION
Artificial intelligence will have an important role to play. We are now developing our future technology platforms – AI will allow us to have data on the use of every component, material compatibility testing, and how long every component will last, so we can offer predictive maintenance.
and tracing of the endoscope reprocessing cycle not only ensures compliance with regulations but is also essential to gain meaningful insights into the efficiency of departmental operations. With the right software, hospitals can obtain direct answers to questions such as: l Is the endoscope patient-ready? l Which endoscopes are out for repair? l Has this endoscope been disinfected? l Who used the most recently used endoscope?
Collected data provides meaningful information for management reporting, service and maintenance improvements and learning purposes. These valuable insights enable full optimisation of critical workflows. Process Manager software, for example, makes it possible to link every endoscope with every patient that it comes into contact with, as well as the products that were used in the washer-disinfector and drying cabinet during the reprocessing cycle. The software also has the ability to
identify the repair status of an endoscope. Once returned from the workshop, the machine will not accept the device until the administrator has checked and accepted it as being ‘fit for use’. This is an important feature as a damaged scope can present a potential safety risk to the patient. The provision of parallel systems for the measurement of critical processes also offers back-up in the event of a failure. This feature
ensures the process ‘runs safe’ or signals an alarm, ensuring critical parameters are met at all times. Advances in the technology have also made it possible to identify whether any parameters of the process are deviating – for example, the temperature may be too low. The latest machines are capable of adjusting the temperature and lengthening the reprocessing time, in response to this deviation, to deliver a safe endoscope at the end of the process. A repair can then be made to the machine. “Previously, an alarm would have sounded, and you would have been left with a contaminated endoscope and a machine that was not working. Now, we are moving into an era of increased intelligence. In critical situations the machine will still stop. However, in non-critical situations, where the process can be recovered (by accepting a longer process time), the machine will optimise the process and ensure a safe endoscope is delivered for the patient,” commented Ronald.
In terms of endoscope reprocessing
safety, the EWD is just one piece in the puzzle, however. To ensure that reprocessed endoscopes stay clean and disinfected in storage, a crucial step in reprocessing is drying and conditioning. Moisture allows microorganisms to grow. The complete removal of moisture from the endoscope channels must be ensured before the endoscope is stored for subsequent use. Drying/storage cabinets must provide
Protecting patients and the environment
The environmental impact of purchasing decisions is also becoming increasingly important for hospitals to consider. Today, ‘safety’ should be viewed within a broader context than just infection prevention – how safe are the chemicals being used for the environment? “Some countries in Europe are still using glutaraldehydes. However, peracetic acid breaks down and has much less impact on the environment. There is a misconception that if the chemistry is more environmentally friendly, the microbiological performance is lower. This is simply not the case,” commented Arno Wassenburg. “We are trying to educate customers and help them transition to peracetic acid. However, we are also looking at other ways of reducing our impact on the environment throughout our supply chain and in the design of the EWDs – whether it is reducing energy consumption, considering the materials we use, or minimising waste in terms of consumables and single use tools.”
safe storage for these delicate flexible endoscopes, including the essential registration and traceability of each endoscope. The European standard EN 16442 should be the starting point for the design of drying/storage cabinets to ensure the highest standards of hygiene for an endoscope after washing/disinfection. A transport system is also recommended for the safe transport of flexible endoscopes from the treatment room to the reprocessing facility. Covering the flexible endoscopes during transport minimises the risk of contamination.
Artificial intelligence
In the future, endoscope reprocessing technology will also have the ability to predict when maintenance of reprocessing equipment will be required: “Artificial intelligence will have an important role to play,” he revealed. “We are now developing our future technology platforms – AI will allow us to have data on the use of every component, material compatibility testing, and how long every component will last, so we can offer predictive maintenance. “Endoscopy departments are extremely busy and cannot afford interruptions through unscheduled downtime. If machines can receive maintenance outside of working hours, in a planned way, then costly
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