Several AAAHC Standards reference manufacturers’ instructions for use (MIU) for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization equipment, supplies, and processes. The intent of these Standards is to ensure that the products are used correctly and that instructions are immediately available for users (providers and staff) to reference.
Sometimes the instructions are printed on the item’s label, such as those for EPA-approved cleaning and disinfecting solutions. Other MIU are complex user manuals, such as those for endoscopes, automatic endoscopic reprocessors, and sterilizers. Regardless of the format, having the current
July 2015
New Endoscopy
Focused Safety Program from AHRQ
The Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality is launching an endoscopyfocused cohort of its Safety
Program for Ambulatory
Surgery.
Designed specifically for endoscopy centers, this ninemonth program is designed to improve communication, teamwork and quality in your ambulatory endoscopy facility.
It includes focused infection prevention training related to endoscopic reprocessing, sedation safety, and customization of the surgical safety checklist for endoscopy centers.
Enrollment is open now and will continue until the program begins on July 20 . To learn more, click here .
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If you’re attending any of these upcoming conferences, please stop by our exhibit booth and say hello.
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Aug 3-6
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ASGE GI Outlook 2015
Aug 7-9
Chicago, IL
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Aug 30-Sept 1
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MIU readily available provides quick, appropriate references for:
Use and operation, including cautionary statements for worker safety
Routine and preventive maintenance requirements
Troubleshooting when needed
Cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization instructions
Handling and storage
Accredited organizations should be prepared to produce these written and most-current MIU upon request of an onsite surveyor.
DO store MIU intentionally.
California Ambulatory
Surgery Center Assn (CASA)
Sept 9-11
Huntington Beach, CA
Texas Ambulatory Surgery
Center Society (TASCS)
Sept 24-25
San Antonio, TX
Urgent Care Assn of America
(UCAOA)
Sept 24-26
New Orleans, LA
Consider posting the MIU immediately above or next to the relevant equipment.
If this is adjacent to a wet space, laminate or protect instructions in a plastic sleeve.
When “at or near” placement is not feasible, consider a centralized MIU resource location such as an electronic document management storage application.
DON’T store MIU where they are inaccessible to users , as in a locked administrative office.
Trained users on MIU location and access.
Encourage and model MIU access and use whenever needed.
DO make sure you have the most current version.
Manufacturers change written instructions from time to time.
Refer periodically to the manufacturer’s website for the most current version, or require that your equipment vendor provide updates as they are released . Promptly identify users, and provide appropriate training when there are relevant changes.
AAAHC Contact
Information
Accreditation Association for
Ambulatory Health Care
5250 Old Orchard Road
Suite 200
Skokie, IL 60077
P: 847.853.6060
F: 847.853.9028
info@aaahc.org
www.aaahc.org
DO facilitate user competence.
If an enzymatic detergent label states, “Soak completely submerged for 5 minutes,” do users have access to a timer to ensure a 5-minute soak?
When you change products, who reviews MIU for changes?
How are all users informed of updates?
DON’T assume user competence.
Evaluate it. Many manufacturers have free competence verification documents; ask your vendor or check the manufacturer’s website for training checklists and materials.
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Compliance with MIUs can be a great topic for a quality improvement study. Collect data via logs or observation to see whether your providers and staff are meeting benchmarks for use.
If you have questions or comments about Connection , please contact Angela FitzSimmons at afitzsimmons@aaahc.org
.
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