Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/827052
66 Key Notes on Preparing to Transport Contaminated Medical Instruments By Laura Dyrda I n the healthcare setting, it's critical for nurses and staff members to appropriately prepare for handling and transporting contaminated medical instruments and waste. Without the proper precautions, healthcare profes- sionals could expose themselves and others to hazardous waste with lasting implications. Healthcare facilities should develop a plan for handling and transporting contaminated instruments, and all staff should understand the protocol. Healthcare workers can wear pro- tective attire, including gloves, surgical masks and gowns or other uniforms. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and As- sociation for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation developed guidelines addressing the sterilization and care of surgical instruments. The surgical team can take specific steps perioperatively to avoid exposure during the postoperative process, including: • Wiping down the surface of instruments with a sterile surgical sponge moistened with water. • Irrigate lumens with sterile water to keep them clean and avoid biofilm formation. • Keep instruments moist until they are decontami- nated so bioburden doesn't dry and adhere to the instrument. After surgery, the surgical staff should properly prepare the instruments for transfer to a decontaminated area by: • Separating waste, linen and disposables from instru- mentation • Segregating sharps • Deconstructing multipart instruments • Protecting delicate items • Arranging instruments in an orderly fashion • Keeping instrument sets together To ensure the instruments stay moist during the post-sur- gical period, place a wet towel over the instrument or treat the instrument with an enzymatic or disinfectant spray, foam or gel. The instrument can also be placed inside a container that will maintain humid conditions. Pay close attention to sharp instruments and needles. Best practices state the needles shouldn't recapped or handled with both hands, and the needle point should always point away from the body, according to the Osteopathic medi- cal Board of California's guidelines. To dispose of syringes, needles, scalpel blades or other sharp objects, place the object in puncture-resistant containers. Puncture-resistant containers should be easily available at the site. When a needles stick occurs, OSHA requires healthcare pro- viders to log occupational injuries and illnesses. For transporta- tion, OSHA requires a closed container or cart. The container should be leak proof and include a biohazard label. n Cleveland Clinic President and CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove Plans to Step Down in 2017 By Alyssa Rege T oby Cosgrove, MD, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic, revealed plans to transition out of his executive roles later this year. He will reportedly continue on in an advisory role to the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Cosgrove served as president and CEO of the system for rough- ly 13 years. The Clinic's board of directors and board of governors plan to jointly select Dr. Cosgrove's successor by the end of 2017. Officials will reportedly search for another practicing physician to lead the organization. Under his leadership, the Cleveland Clinic launched a number of major wellness initiatives for patients, employees and communities, including a same-day medical appointment policy, the cessation of smoking on all Cleveland Clinic campuses, weekly farmer's markets at the Clinic in the fall and winter months and free memberships to Weight Watchers and various exercise facilities for all employees, among other programs. Prior to his executive roles with the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Cosgrove practiced as a cardiac surgeon for nearly 30 years. "It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of an extraordinary and forward-thinking organization that puts patients at the center of ev- erything we do," Dr. Cosgrove said in a statement. "Cleveland Clinic's world-class reputation of clinical excellence, innovation, medical ed- ucation and research was created and will be maintained by the truly dedicated caregivers who work tirelessly to provide the best care to our patients." n