Questions can be sent to:jakridge@hpnonline.com
called in to Jeannie Akridge at HPN:(941) 927-9345 ext.202 or mailed to:
HPN CS Questions, 2477 Stickney Point Road, Suite 315B, Sarasota, FL 34231
Names and hospital identification will be withheld upon request.

Q How often should the work stations in the assembly
and packaging area of CPD be cleaned?

A At a minimum work stations, and other flat surfaces
found in the assembly and packaging areas should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Frequent cleaning and keeping work surfaces free of soil reduces the potential of microbial proliferation and the transmission of infection. Personally I believe it is a good idea to make cleaning of work stations a routine protocol between each shift. Each shift should ready their work station for the on-coming shift – this should include cleaning, organizing and restocking the station. Table coverings, pads etc., if used, should also be changed.

Q I just started a new managerial job in CPD. Currently the Distribution technicians transport all used / soiled IV poles, commodes, Ivacs, and other mobile patient equipment from the patient units to CPD for cleaning. They transport all this soiled equipment uncovered through the public hallways and elevators that are used by patients and visitors as well as for transporting clean and sterile goods. Our decontamination area is not equipped for, nor does it have adequate space for the manual cleaning of such mobile equipment. This has placed an excessive burden on the CPD Decontamination staff that is primarily responsible for attending to case carts and surgical instruments.

A It sounds to me like you have already made a good
case for not bringing the equipment down to CPD in your hospital. I would suggest that you write a report listing all of your concerns including all technical, clinical, labor and space issues. It is important to be objective and to stick to the facts - include relevant clinical and technical references that support your claims such as AAMI documents, and IAHCSMM publications. Include quantifiable data relative to the impact on labor, productivity and space. You should also offer an alternative plan of action as a process improvement initiative. Under proper conditions and utilizing proper precautions and technique mobile equipment can be transported safely back to CPD for processing. However that doesn’t seem to be happening in your situation. It also sounds like you do not have the appropriate space, facilities, and resources within your current work area to handle this work load appropriately. Equipment can be cleaned and maintained on the patient units. There would have to be adequate space and a designated work area on each unit to perform this task. A strict protocol would have to be in place to be certain that decontamination and inspection is indeed conducted between each patient use (some equipment also requires cleaning while in use). Staff conducting this task on the units must be trained and demonstrate competency in the proper cleaning and inspection of each piece of mobile equipment as well as, the appropriate use of chemicals and cleaning agents. Staff supervision and surveillance should be ongoing. All proper processing protocols and procedures must be implemented and enforced including the use of appropriate PPE. I have seen this concept work well utilizing environmental services or other support service staff assigned to the unit. I have also seen CPD (equipment technicians) make daily (shift) rounds to each patient unit to monitor usage of and clean mobile equipment.

Ray Taurasi is Eastern Regional Director of Clinical Sales and Services for Healthmark Industries. His healthcare career spans over three decades as an Administrator, Educator, Technologist and Consultant.He is a member of AORN, ASHCSP, AAMI and a past president of IAHCSMM and has served on and contributed to many national committees with a myriad of professional organizations, manufacturers, corporations and prestigious healthcare networks. Taurasi has been a faculty member of numerous colleges teaching in the divisions of business administration and health sciences. In addition to this column he has authored several articles and has been a featured speaker on the international scene.