AHE launches new Certified Surgical Cleaning Technician program

AHE launches new Certified Surgical Cleaning Technician program

The Association for the Healthcare Environment recently developed a certification program for environmental services technicians responsible for cleaning and disinfecting operation rooms.

The Certified Surgical Cleaning Technician is designed to:

• Increase performance levels and job satisfaction, while decreasing staff turnover.
• Facilitate execution of evidence-based standards of practice.
• Enhance efforts to improve patient outcomes.

The certification program uses the train-the-trainer model to streamline training efforts. The training focuses on surgical-suite infection prevention, cleaning and disinfecting, problem solving, communication and impacts on patient outcomes.

AHE states that the program’s training “emphasizes the importance of on-the-job performance and deepened self-awareness of working in the complex surgical environment.” 

CDC updates recommendations for controlling spread of Candida auris in physical environment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its case count to 98 U.S. patients found with multidrug-resistant Candida auris as of July 14.  

It also updated recommendations on identification, treatment and infection control practices to control its spread. The CDC has listed recommendations specific to inpatient settings, dialysis clinics and infusion centers, outpatient settings, home health care settings and patient homes.

The recommendations focus on such factors as environmental disinfection, patient isolation, hand hygiene and patient transfer.

FDA issues Class 1 recall on Intra-aortic Balloon Pumps 

Datascope Corp./MAQUET is recalling its CS100i, CS100, and CS300 Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps manufactured before June 30, 2013, due to the risk of a valve failure which prevents the balloon from inflating and deflating properly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified it as a Class 1 recall.

The cardiac-assist devices are used to aid patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, and to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome or complications from heart failure.

The FDA states that If a patient requires circulatory support with an intra-aortic balloon pump and the device does not work, or if therapy is stopped during use without a replacement pump available, device failure may result in immediate and serious adverse health consequences, including death.

CDC invests $200 million to fight infectious disease threats

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded more than $200 million through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases Cooperative Agreement to help states, cities, counties and territories prevent, detect, respond to and control the growing threats posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. 

Joint Commission redesigns Evidence of Standards Compliance form

The Joint Commission's redesigned Evidence of Standards Compliance (ESC) form was rolled out in April for ambulatory care and deemed psychiatric hospitals. As of July 24, it was rolled out to all other accreditation programs.

The redesigned form helps organizations to focus on describing the critical aspects of corrective actions they have taken to resolve Requirements for Improvement and ensure that those actions are implemented and sustained.