Sponsored by
News IDSc and AfPP collaborate on loan set guidance
In response to valuable feedback from Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) members, The Institute of Decontamination Science (IDSc) and AfPP have collaborated to review and update the national guidance on the management of loan sets and individual reusable medical devices. This joint effort has led to the publication of
a comprehensive and practical document: Loan Set Management and Individual Medical Devices - Principles Between Suppliers/Manufacturers, Theatre Departments and Decontamination Units. The revised guidance is designed to support safe, efficient, and effective practice across all departments involved in the process, ensuring that patient safety remains paramount. Trevor Garcia, National Chairperson for The
IDSc, said: “The IDSc recognises the importance of collaborating with AfPP. Loan sets have long presented challenges, and the availability of best practice guidance will help provide a more structured approach to managing these day-to-day issues. We hope to continue this collaboration, as it is vital that our departments work together to ensure patient safety.” AfPP members highlighted the need for clearer,
updated guidance to address growing complexity in managing loan sets, especially with the increasing volume and sophistication of surgical procedures, and the associated demand for specialist instrumentation. Recognising this need, AfPP and IDSc brought together expertise from across the sectors to create a shared understanding of expectations, responsibilities, and best practices.
The updated guidance outlines the distinct roles
and responsibilities of all key stakeholders involved in the loan set process: l Suppliers and Manufacturers are responsible for providing complete, accurate documentation with each loan set, ensuring instruments are in serviceable condition, properly decontaminated, and compliant with current regulations.
l Theatre Departments must coordinate closely with both Suppliers and Decontamination Units to ensure loan sets are booked, received, and returned in line with surgical schedules, while also maintaining traceability and patient safety standards.
l Decontamination Units (Sterile Services Departments) are charged with verifying the condition and cleanliness of instruments,
ensuring correct processing before and after use, and reporting any defects or discrepancies.
By clearly defining these responsibilities, the updated document helps avoid duplication, eliminate gaps, and promote a consistent approach across the UK’s healthcare system. These guidelines support healthcare personnel
by providing a structured process for managing each loan event. The goal is simple but essential: to ensure that all reusable medical devices are in the right place, at the right time, and in the right condition for safe use on the right patient. As technology and surgical practices evolve, this guidance serves as a dynamic resource that can adapt to future developments in the field. AfPP and IDSc encourage continued feedback from practitioners to ensure the guidance remains relevant and practical in everyday settings. Improved communication and collaboration between all involved parties will help reduce delays, minimise risk, and optimise surgical efficiency, ultimately benefitting both patients and staff. This collaborative work reflects both
organisations’ ongoing commitment to improving perioperative and decontamination practices across the UK. By promoting clarity, shared responsibility, and high standards, the updated loan set guidance is a significant step forward in supporting safe and effective surgical care. To download the guidance, visit: https://www.
afpp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AfPP- IDSc-loan-set-management-Aug-5-2025.pdf
HOW CLEAN IS YOUR SCREEN? 10:37 am
Easy Screen™ is compatible with over 320 medical devices and surfaces that require a 70% IPA approved cleaner.
EES1060 | VJT595 Some bacteria culture can
SURVIVE FOR MONTHS on the surface of a dry touchscreen device¹
workers in 1 hospital never cleaned their devices²
56% of paediatric healthcare
On average, smartphone users around the world touch their screens
2,617
More than that make up fingerprints ends up on touchscreens⁴
In a Japanese ICU study only
76% regularly cleaned their phones⁵ 10.7%of staff Touchscreen devices have
AT LEAST ONE BACTERIA culture on the screen⁶
times a day³ 80%OF BACTERIA
BACTERIA IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS CAN INCLUDE:
Staphylococcus, Moraxella, Bacillus spp, Streptococcus spp, Acinetobacter spp, MRSA, Pantoea spp, & Enterococcus⁶
Sources available on request
Get in touch via
contact@pdi-emea.com to request your FREE samples today!
September 2025 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 13
anatoliy_gleb -
stock.adobe.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
