Title: The essential steps of infection control practices in a healthcare office setting

Biography:

Aileen Gunda is a medical device reprocessing expert, consultant, educator, and speaker,  who is certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Aileen has 18 years of experience in the field of reprocessing medical devices from being a front-line staff, clinical educator and manager overseeing the full operation of the reprocessing department that manages the single-use and reusable medical devices used in the operating room and other health care office setting. She also has a baccalaureate degree in health administration major in health services management and a bachelor of science in medical technology. Pass the Philippine medical technology board examination.

Abstract

Infection control practices are vital in the management of sterile and unsterile single-use and reusable medical devices. My experience working in the medical device reprocessing department at a hospital setting and participating in various infection control audit in clinics gave me the knowledge, and skills to identify the required infection control practices in a health care office setting. There are essential steps to achieve the highest probability of eliminating the microorganisms during the sterilization process. Learning the vital steps in the sterilization process improves efficiency and safety while reducing the risk of infection to staff and patient. In this study, I will identify the required methods in the proper handling and management of nonsterile and sterile single-use and reusable medical and surgical equipment. Furthermore, I will describe the process to prevent cross-contamination and the risk of staff and patient exposure to harmful bacteria.  Finally, I will share the impact of not having and following the correct procedure of infection control.