Biofilm in Endoscopy

Educational Dimensions

is pleased to present an eLearning activity

 

Biofilm in Endoscopy

Author: Donna Girard, BSN RN CGRN

Overview

Every patient is entitled to a perfectly clean, pathogen free endoscope. Strict adherence to current guidelines should ensure this, but the emergence of biofilm as a factor in endoscope contamination must be acknowledged. Ongoing studies will dictate changes in policy and practice. This independent study activity is intended to explore the impact of biofilm in the Endoscopy Unit and encourage participants to implement necessary changes in their own practice area.

Target Audience

This independent study is intended primarily for RNs with an interest in the prevention of cross-contamination and infection caused by biofilm in GI Endoscopy practice. Perioperative nurses may also benefit. It will also be of interest to GI nursing associates, allied healthcare personnel and MDs involved in endoscopy.

Learner Objectives

Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. Discuss the concept of biofilm communities in industry and in the human body
  2. Explain the relationship between biofilm and endoscope contamination
  3. Compare two disinfectant agents in their effectiveness against biofilm
  4. Relate findings from studies and literature to clinical area observation and practice
  5. State three best practices of disinfection which are particularly important in biofilm elimination

Teaching Methodology

Participants will complete the web-based learning activity entitled "Biofilm in Endoscopy". They will read the article, then register to take the post-test and complete the evaluation on the website. They will submit the documentation as directed. A bibliographic reference is included for those wishing additional information.

Contact Hours

Upon completion of the entire program, achieving a score of 80% on the post-test, and submission of required documentation, participants will be granted 1 contact hour. No partial credit will be granted. Contact hours are available for this eLearning activity until 31 March 2013.

Accreditation

Educational Dimensions is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

State Board Approval: Provider is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 08747, the District of Columbia Board of Nursing, Provider Number 50-574,the Florida Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 50-574, the Iowa Board of Nursing, Provider Number 317 and the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, Provider Number WV97-0217RN.

ABCGN: According to the criteria of the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN), 1 hour earned in this activity is considered GI Specific for the purpose of re-certification by contact hours through the ABCGN. ABCGN tracking number: GI2011-16.

Disclosures

  1. Successful completion: Participants must complete the entire program and submit required documentation.
  2. Conflict of interest: Planners disclose no conflict of interest. The author, Donna Girard, RN, BSN, CGRN is a consultant working independently to provide nursing education in endoscopy and infection prevention. As a paid consultant for various companies, including Medivators, Getinge and N.M. Beale CO., Ms. Girard has declared affiliations that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest. In the interest of quality CNE, the author has signed a statement agreeing to present information fairly and without bias.
  3. Commercial company support: Fees are underwritten by education funding and commercial support provided by Medivators, a Minntech Corporation Business Group.
  4. Non-commercial company support: None.

  5. Non-endorsement of products: Accredited status does not imply endorsement by the provider, Educational Dimensions, or ANCC of any commercial products displayed in conjunction with an activity.

  6. Off-label product use: None
  7. Alternative/Complementary therapy: None

Certificate Issue / Replacement

Participants successfully completing the activity and submitting required documentation will be permitted to print a certificate of completion. Participants are advised to retain the certificate for eight years following activity completion.

Replacement of misplaced certificate is available from Educational Dimensions. There is a fee for this service. Request a replacement by emailing replacement@educationaldimensions.com.

Next Page: Guide to Study (detailed instructions for completing the eLearning activity)