Decontamination Primary Care
Decontamination Programme
Education and Training for Primary Care Staff in NHS Scotland
Concern over healthcare acquired infection (HAI) and the potential risk of person to person transmission of vCJD through the use of reusable medical devises led to a review of decontamination services and practice within NHS Scotland (NHSS).
The review highlighted a number of deficiencies in relation to the provision of decontamination services. As a consequence of the review working groups were established to address these issues. Education of staff was highlighted by both groups as a key area to be addressed. It was recognised that there was a need for those who have a responsibility for decontamination of reusable medical devices to be aware of extant guidance standards and formal management systems.
The programme can be found at www.decontamination.scot.nhs.uk
This programme is the product of a partnership between NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the decontamination team now based at Health Facilities Scotland (previously based at HPS). It is based on a combination of current policy, practice, standards and guidelines, both national and international and reflects existing education models in Scotland.
What is Decontamination?
Decontamination is the term used to describe a combination of processes, including cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation. Together, these processes can render reusable medical devices free from contaminants and safe to use.
Decontamination Life Cycle
Success in decontaminating reusable medical devices is dependant on the successful completion of each stage of what is referred to as the decontamination life cycle. This cycle stretches right from the purchasing decision used to acquire a medical device through to its eventual disposal.
Much of this course is modeled on this cycle so by the time you complete the course you will be very familiar with each stage as well as the particular sequence they follow.
The programme is aimed at any healthcare employee who has responsibility for the decontamination of instruments in local decontamination units within dentistry, general practice or podiatry settings.
The learning outcomes in the programme will cover:
Overview of the programme
This explores what is contamination and decontamination, explores the decontamination area and your role and presents an overview of the regulations
Acquiring Medical Devices
An introduction is given to the process of acquiring medical devices and best practices when borrowing or lending medical devices.
Protecting yourself and others
An introduction to health and safety is given and a focus on personal and environmental safety issues in relation to decontamination.
Applied Microbiology
This examines both the interface between the human body and micro-organisms and decontamination of medical devices.
Cleaning and Disinfection
This outlines the automated and manual cleaning processes, defines disinfection and explores thermal disinfection
Inspection and Packaging
The requirements are outlined and inspection techniques are explored. Aspects of devices requiring repair and record keeping are explored.
Sterilisation
The principles of sterilisation are explained and there is a focus on the method of steam sterilization.
Storage
Systems are reviewed and the requirements of the handing of sterilised re useable medical devices explained. Traceability systems are also explored in this unit.
Disposal
An introduction to waste disposal. Segregation of waster and the importance of tracking and traceability of clinical waste is also addressed. The disposal of reuseable medical devices and the equipment used in decontamination is also addressed.
Transportation
The preparation of reusable medical devices for transportation and the cleaning and disinfection requirements for containers used in the transportation process are covered.
Quality
The testing requirements, procedures and protocols required for quality assuring the decontamination process are addressed.
By completing the programme you will be able to:
- Identify the requirements for effective decontamination practice
- Define the decontamination life cycle
- Explain the principles of decontamination practices
- Demonstrate effective decontamination practices
Registration for the Programme
Once a member of staff has been nominated to undertake the Decontamination Education Programme and a mentor has been identified the names should be emailed to the relevant contact below:
Area |
Contact |
NHS Ayrshire & Arran |
|
NHS Borders |
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NHS Dumfires & Galloway |
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NHS Forth Valley |
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NHS Grampian |
|
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde |
|
NHS Highland |
|
NHS Fife |
|
NHS Lanarkshire |
|
NHS Lothian |
|
NHS Orkney |
|
NHS Shetland |
|
NHS Tayside |
|
NHS Western Isles |
|
Dentistry |
Natalya Zhernakova |
The course will take approximately 10 – 12 hours to complete all units and assessments.
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