Compliance to Infection Control Measures among Nurses in Endoscopy Units

Abstract

Endoscopy is the general term given to the examination, and inspection of organs or cavities by means of endoscopes. These instruments can also provide access for certain kinds of surgical procedures or treatment. There are many procedures and kinds of endoscopes, e.g., bronchoscope, gastro scope, colonoscopy, etc… (Lewis, 2000; and Potter& Perry, 2005). Endoscopic procedures have become an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, and every patient has the right to be examined and treated without risk of transmission of infectious agents or complications that may result from inadequate reprocessing of endoscopes and endoscopic accessories (Beilenhoff et al., 2007). World Health Organization, 2004 stated that the components of the infection control programmer are: basic measures for infection control, i.e. standard and additional precautions, education and training of health care workers, protection of health care workers, e.g. immunization; identification of hazards and minimizing risks; routine practices essential to infection control such as aseptic techniques, use of single use devices, reprocessing of instruments and equipment, antibiotic usage, management of blood/body fluid exposure, handling and use of blood and blood products, sound management of medical waste.