Improving safety of personnel exposed to disinfectants by introducing an Endoscopy Quality Assurance Program

Abstract

Background: Chemical disinfection is the most commonly used method in gastrointestinal endoscopy reprocessing. The main problem with chemical disinfection is that it is potentially harmful to humans. Risk assessment of employees using toxic substances is recommended and the control of exposure to these substances is required. In 2003, an endoscopy quality-assurance program was instituted in a secondary care governmental hospital in Egypt. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the risk to health of personnel exposed to disinfectants in the course of their work and determine the effect of instituting an endoscopy quality-assurance program on the safety of personnel exposed to disinfectants. Materials and methods: Health surveillance was provided for personnel exposed to disinfectants in the endoscopy unit over an 8-year period between January 2004 and January 2012. A quality improvement program was implemented (improving ventilation, providing instructions and education) to control exposure to these substances. The effectiveness of the change was assessed. Results: Prior to a quality assurance program being implemented, allergic reactions related to disinfectants were reported in 33% of working days in 2004. Subsequent allergic reactions decreased to 6–8% in 2010 and 2011 and this was contingent on the solution used for reprocessing. Conclusion: The implementation of a quality assurance and improvement program in endoscopy unit improved the safety of personnel exposed to disinfectants.

Keywords

• Disinfectants
• Glutaraldehyde
• Safety
• Health surveillance
• Endoscopy