How to Improve Reprocessing of Flexible Endoscopes Nationwide? Data from the German Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. (31st October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fröhlich, Eckhart; Leiß, Ottmar; Muller, Reinhold
• Other Names: Boselli C. Academic Editor.; Braden B. Academic Editor.; Kahokehr A. Academic Editor.; Maleddu A. Academic Editor.; Sarel H. Academic Editor.; Stoyanov D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN endoscopy. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2012-10-31
• Subjects: Endoscopy -- Periodicals; 616.07545
• DOI: 10.5402/2013/495039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-9411

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Aims . International studies revealed prevalences of around 50% of microbiological contaminations in reprocessed flexible endoscopes. In Germany a system was installed where the qualification for refund for colonoscopies was made conditional on successfully passing twice annually a microbiological surveillance test of reprocessed endoscopes. This study is an implementation and outcome evaluation as well as a general discussion of the quality assessment assurance in colonoscopy in Germany. Methods . German data from 2003–2008 were analysed: number of endoscopic units performing therapeutic and/or screening colonoscopies; results of all microbiological surveillance tests of reprocessing quality; number of failed surveillance tests and retests; number of qualifications for refund from the public health system cancelled due to repeated failure of microbiological surveillance tests. Results . After the introduction of the quality assessment assurance, the percentage of failed microbiological surveillance tests dropped significantly and steadily from close to 17% to below 5%. Conclusions . This study evidences (1st) the successful implementation of the quality assessment assurance in Germany and (2nd) a substantial improvement in the quality of reprocessing flexible endoscopes achieved by these measures.