Cleaning and Disinfecting Surgical Instruments
Learn Evidence-Based Methods to Manage Surgical Instrumentation
Advanced Course
Cleaning and Disinfecting Surgical Instruments
Overview
This two-part advanced course on the management of surgical instrumentation covers the decision process of whether to disinfect or sterilize and how to reprocess instruments effectively, using evidence-based guidelines from AORN and AAMI
Experts estimate that 60% of surgical site infections can be prevented and that any failure in the reprocessing area could have a major impact on infectious risk for patients and staff.
Learn & Apply
Learn Evidence-Based Methods to Manage Surgical Instrumentation
Gaps
Top organization compliance gaps cited for failing to reduce risks of infection as related to cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments.
Classifications
The Spaulding Classifications to determine what level of disinfection is needed
Pitfalls
Potential pitfalls in cleaning and disinfection processes
Steps
The critical steps for cleaning and disinfecting instruments starting with removing bioburden at point of use
About the Instructor
Denise Smith, RN, MS, CLNC, HACP
Denise Smith is a Senior Consultant with Courtemanche & Associates. In this role she is responsible for assessing healthcare organizational readiness for licensing, certification, accreditation, and regulatory compliance. She has extensive knowledge in the requirements of The Joint Commission, DNV, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services including knowledge in their survey process, auditing approach and survey outcome determination. She also has knowledge and experience in AAHC and other regulatory and accreditation organizations. She assists organizations with survey preparation, educational needs, post survey activities, patient safety strategies and quality improvement initiatives. Denise has more than 40 years of experience and expertise in Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Quality and Resource Management, Clinical Education, in acute inpatient and outpatient care settings.