To the Editor:

I wish to advise you of the completion of an exciting educational project of the Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia (GENCA). In September 2002, the training website for the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and accessories was launched. The content was developed collaboratively by the Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia and the Infection Control Program of the Communicable Diseases Unit of Queensland Health. The aim of this interactive web-based package is to provide healthcare professionals with education and training tools to minimize adverse patient outcomes associated with breaches in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes. It consists of six theoretical modules:

* Disease transmission and control

* Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization

* Workplace health and safety

* Endoscope structure and function

* Reprocessing

* Quality assurance

Individuals work at their own pace through each of these modules and can assess their learning after each module by means of review questions. Once all six modules have been completed, a series of final review questions is undertaken and documented as evidence of completion.

When completed, registered nurses in Australia may also apply to GENCA for assessment of their practical skills. The website is available at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/EndoscopeReprocessing. We are delighted to share this resource with colleagues around the world.

Di Jones, RM, RN, BAppSc, ACGEN, FRCNA