Many factors contribute to the cost of endoscopy, including the costs to purchase, reprocess, and repair flexible devices. The reprocessing aspect of scope maintenance is the focus of this presentation. To effectively reprocess a flexible endoscope, incorporating all federal and professional guidelines, while following the instructions of the original equipment manufacturers, may take dozens of steps. Add in the variables created by different scope models, different series of scopes, differences in mechanical and manual processes, variances in chemicals, and the performance expectation of each person handling the scopes, and a red carpet is laid for potential infection control issues. The goal of this session is to identify and work toward closing the gaps between established reprocessing principles and actual practice by demonstrating cause and effect.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the Abstracts from the SGNA's 32nd Annual Course: Passion for GI Nursing: Pass It On!! The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.