Learner Objectives:

• Define the Spaulding Classification System and its foundational role in infection prevention
• Describe the medical breadth and complexity of percutaneous procedures
• Discuss the disinfection of ultrasound probes utilized in percutaneous procedures
• Describe the role of ineffective manual cleaning in infection transmission risk
• Discuss next generation technology for addressing these problems

Session Summary:

• Ultrasound-guided percutaneous procedures encompass a broad and varied group of medical interventions involving the piercing of the skin, under the guidance of ultrasound imaging.  The growth and medical application of these procedures has been considerable.  Understanding and addressing infection prevention practices associated with these procedures has been elusive. This session will review and discuss percutaneous procedures and the disinfection of ultrasound probes utilized during the application of these medical interventions.
   
• Flexible endoscopes have been associated with the greatest number of patient infections when compared to other reusable medical devices. The body of evidence shows that patient ready endoscopes can remain contaminated despite high level disinfection or sterilization, warranting review of upstream processes. Ineffective manual cleaning of the inner channels is one of the major root causes of biofilm formation and failed disinfection in flexible endoscopes. This session will review the evidence associated with manual cleaning challenges, and review next generation technology for addressing these issues to support patient and staff safety.

Presenters:

Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., CIC, FAPIC
Jon Burdach, Ph.D.

Co-Authors:

Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC
Shawna Paro MSN, RN, CIC
Charles E. Edmiston, Jr., PhD, SM (ASCP), CIC (CBIC), FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC

Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., CIC, FAPIC

Maureen Spencer is a registered nurse with a Master’s Degree in Education and board certified in infection control. Her previous positions included Corporate Director of Infection Prevention for Universal Health Services, Infection Control Director, New England Baptist Hospital and Director of the Infection Control Unit at Mass General Hospital, Boston, MA. In 2007 she was a recipient of the APIC Heroes of Infection Prevention and in 2012 she was selected as one of the "Who's Who of Infection Prevention”. In 2017 she was recognized as a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC) for her advanced practice in infection prevention and leadership within the field. She is currently an Infection Preventionist Consultant with Commonwealth Medicine, University Mass Medical School, MA. Maureen has published numerous peer-reviewed publications and has presented many abstracts and posters at conferences. She is a national and international speaker on an array of infection prevention and control topics

John Burdach, PhD

Jon Burdach, PhD, is a medical affairs executive with extensive experience in clinical research and medical strategy. He currently serves as the Vice President of Medical Affairs at Nanosonics, a global leader in infection prevention solutions. Dr. Burdach is responsible for developing and executing the company's medical strategy, including healthcare professional engagement, scientific communications and medical education initiatives. He is also responsible for overseeing clinical research, preclinical and clinical R&D activities.

Dr. Burdach received his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Tasmania and his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He has worked in medical microbiology, genetics of anti-microbial resistance, molecular biology and medical research within infection prevention.

He has worked within the medical research space for over 15 years and has served as a committee member for AusMedTech NSW, on various AAMI standards development committees and has authored numerous scientific publications and presented at international conferences. He is committed to advancing patient care through innovative medical solutions. 

Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC

Lisa Waldowski is an expert in Infection Prevention and Control with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Lisa recently joined Wellstar Health System in Atlanta, GA as their System Executive Director of Infection Prevention and Control. Lisa holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Systems Leadership and a Master of Science in Nursing. She is board certified in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC).

Shawna Paro, MSN, RN, CIC

Shawna Paro has been an Infection Prevention Specialist since November 2015.  Shawna's dream of becoming a nurse began as a hospital volunteer candy striper in 2001, never imaging her career would take her to infection prevention.  Now, reflecting upon her magnificent and rewarding career she could not imagine anything different.  Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when asked if she enjoys her career, the answer is always proudly, "yes".  Her career began at Long Term Acute Care, followed by her current employer of 15 years, an Acute Care Community hospital.  Prior to entering infection prevention, she provided intensive care unit patient care while working per diem as a nursing supervisor, and tri-chairing the quality patient council.  During these amazing years she refined her skills and found her niche, infection prevention.  She became certified in infection control 2 years after becoming an infection prevention specialist.  In 2018 Shawna became the lead of the department as the Senior Infection Prevention Specialist, followed by achieving her master's degree in Nursing Leadership and Administration in 2021.  Shawna also enjoys giving back to the nursing career by instructing the young minds of nursing students.  Shawna has been an adjunct clinical faculty instructor over the last 6 years, contributing many of her students to her hospital.  Outside of work Shawna enjoys spending time with her family.  Shawna and her husband Mike met in high school and now share two beautiful boys.

Charles Edmiston, PhD, SM(ASCP), CIC, FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC

Dr. Charles Edmiston is an Emeritus Professor of Surgery and Director of Surgical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology Research Laboratory, in the Surgery Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee; Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville; Surgical Champion for the State of Wisconsin; and Consultant to Wisconsin Division of Public Health on SSI Risk Reduction. He is a Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of American, Surgical Infection Society, and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. Dr. Murphy has served as a consultant to the Hospital Infection Control Practice Advisory Committee (HICPAC) of the CDC, and he is also a member of three editorial boards: Surgery, Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Infection Preventionist and past member of the American Journal of Infection Control editorial board. He is the author of over 300 original peer- reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, editorials, reviews, and  monographs.