are pleased to present

Preventing Fluid Damage to the Flexible Endoscope

Faculty: Lynne A. Thomas, BSN RN CGRN
Vice President, Education
Integrated Medical Systems International Inc.
Birmingham, Alabama

Overview

Flexible endoscopes are expensive to purchase and expensive to repair. To maintain optimal endoscopic performance, all staff in an endoscopy lab should understand and implement best practices for cleaning and disinfecting the instruments. This self-study module is designed for flexible endoscopy clinicians and technicians who have the responsibility for care and handling of flexible endoscopes in their facility. The content will focus on fluid invasion prevention, the effects of fluid invasion on endoscopes, and symptoms of fluid invasion.

Target Audience

This independent study is intended primarily for RNs with a responsibility for or an interest in enhanced capability and extended life expectancy of flexible endoscopes. It will also be of interest to allied healthcare personnel and MDs involved in endoscopy.

Learner Objectives

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

1. Identify areas of the flexible endoscope commonly invaded by fluid
2. Analyze the effects of fluid on specific internal systems and components of a flexible endoscope
3. Apply steps for manual or automated leak testing in the clinical area, in order to prevent or reduce fluid invasion of flexible endoscopes
4. Discuss handling of an endoscope that has failed a leak test

Teaching Methodology

Participants will complete the web-based learning activity entitled “Preventing Fluid Damage to the Flexible Endoscope”. 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.

Accreditation

ANCC: Educational Dimensions is an approved provider of continuing education by the Washington State Nurses Association, an accredited approver 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 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.

Disclosures

1. Successful completion: Participants must complete the entire program, achieving a passing grade of 80% on the post-test and submit required documentation.
2. Conflict of interest: This presentation is co-provided by IMS and Educational Dimensions. The author, as an employee, hereby declares a conflict of interest.
3. Commercial company support: Fees are underwritten by education funding and commercial support provided by IMS.
4. Non-commercial company support: None.
5. Non-endorsement of products: Educational Dimensions, the Continuing Education Provider for this activity, is philosophically dedicated to the provision of quality CNE and does not endorse products or services provided by the author's company.
6. Off-label product use: 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)

Explore best practices in the prevention of fluid damage to flexible endoscopes.