J U N E 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 3 3
1. Guidance documents
Wouldn't it be nice, Natasha Reese, MT (ASCP) CM, used to won-
der, to have a definitive guide to best practices in infection preven-
tion? Wonder no more. The Joint Commission's recently released
"High-Level Disinfection and Sterilization Booster Pack" is Ms.
Reese's bible of reprocessing. The 49-page publication links stan-
dards, evidence of performance and responsibility in one easy-to-
follow script. The Booster Pack incorporates easy-to-use checklists
and guidelines that speak the language of sterile processing techni-
cians, operating room staff and infection preventionists. It also car-
ries considerable weight when there's a difference of opinion in
W
ith each passing day, we see new reports on the
growing dangers of drug-resistant organisms
and infection control breakdowns in the health-
care space. At times it seems as if this infec-
tious world of pathogenic microbes is working
around the clock to get faster and smarter at putting patients and
their caregivers at risk. These tiny bugs have declared war on us,
and are using every weapon in their microscopic arsenal to take us
out.
Fortunately for our patients and the future of our industry,
healthcare providers do not know the meaning of the word "sur-
render." In fact, there have been a number of game-changing inno-
vations that are poised to defeat these infectious invaders on the
very front lines of surgical care. We reached out to 5 healthcare
leaders from across the country and across the spectrum of surgi-
cal care to highlight the kinds of innovations they believe are mak-
ing a real difference in the infection control space.
