Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major global safety concern, occurring in patients receiving medical care and associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. HAIs represent the most frequent adverse event in healthcare delivery worldwide, with an average prevalence of 7.1% in Europe, affecting more than 4 million patients annually.
These infections prolong hospital stays, cause long-term disability, increase antimicrobial resistance, and represent a significant financial burden for health systems.
One of the key challenges in medical device reprocessing is the contamination of small, heat-labile parts, which are difficult to reprocess and contribute to a higher risk of HAIs.
Manufacturers may not consider how post-market modifications impact the reprocessing method, leading to outdated or inadequate processes. Complex devices are prone to damage, and damaged surfaces serve as hotspots for biofilm formation, further increasing the risk of HAIs.
Some semi-critical devices are exposed to such high levels of contamination that high-level disinfection (HLD) is not always capable of effectively reducing the bioburden to safe levels.
High-temperature sterilization methods, such as steam sterilization, can damage devices deemed heat- or moisture-compatible.
Sensitive devices may become damaged over time, reducing their efficacy and increasing the risk of inadequate sterilization.
This damage exacerbates known risk factors for HAIs, such as the development of damaged sites that act as hotspots for biofilm formation.
What's in it for you?
- Improved Patient Outcomes: by addressing the challenges of medical device reprocessing, you can significantly reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), leading to better patient outcomes and overall health.
- Operational Efficiency: understanding and mitigating the challenges in reprocessing can streamline your CSSD operations, making them more efficient and effective.
- Cost Management: by optimizing reprocessing methods and reducing the incidence of HAIs, your healthcare facility can manage costs more effectively, avoiding the financial burden associated with prolonged hospital stays and additional treatments.
- Compliance and Safety: sataying informed about the latest standards and challenges in medical device reprocessing ensures that your facility remains compliant with regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest levels of safety and care.