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Correction of Deficiencies in Flexible Fiberoptic Sigmoidoscope Cleaning and Disinfection Technique in Family Practice and Internal Medicine Offices
Frank W. Jackson, MD;
Marilee D. Ball, RN, CGRN
Arch Fam Med. 1997;6(6):578-582.
Abstract
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To assess whether deficiencies exist in the processing of contaminated flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopes in family practice and internal medicine offices and whether training of office personnel results in a correction of identified deficiencies, we conducted a prospective review of sigmoidoscope processing in family practice and internal medicine offices before and after a training course. Participants were questioned on their current endoscope processing for 17 standards before and 2 months after receiving training. The 19 offices had between 4 and 11 deficiencies per office before training, with an average of 6.8 deficiencies per office. After training, deficiencies ranged from 0 to 8, with an average of 0.9 deficiencies per office (P .001; Student t test). Personnel responsible for processing flexible sigmoidoscopes in family practice and internal medicine offices are insufficiently trained for this function. Endoscopes are not being processed according to current standards. After a 2-hour training period, these persons maintain their equipment close to or according to standards.
Author Affiliations
From the West Shore Endoscopy Center, Camp Hill, Pa.
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