Decontamination and Infection Control
Best practice, Web directory
Abstract:
Decontamination is a combination of processes, including cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilization, used to render reusable surgical instruments safe for further use.
Guidance on decontamination and infection control, including surgical instruments, dental equipment, endoscopes and benchtop steam sterilizers.
Category:
Control
Epidemiology
Management
Prevention
Expert Review
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Summary:
A wide range of documentation and policy informationare available as free downloads from this site. This web directory contains comprehensive guidance on decontamination.Decontamination is a combination of processes, including cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilization, used to render reusable surgical instruments safe for further use. Improving decontamination forms an important part of the Chief Medical Officer’s strategy to combat healthcare associated infections. Our aim is to give better protection to patients and staff by improving decontamination. This web directory provides links to:- National Decontamination Project: A strategy for modernising the provision of decontamination services (2003)http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4120235.pdf- HTM 01-05: Decontamination in dental practice http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_089245- Background information on the Programme. - Strategy and guidance documents. - Archive of presentations to conferences, seminars and workshops- Links to guidance on decontamination published by DH, and copies of presentations given at recent conferences. Standard approaches and documentation for use by subsequent decontamination projects are also held in this area
Questions Addressed:
The web directory provides information on guidance and policy documents related to decontamination
Type of Study:
Web directory
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:
The web directory pulls together a wide range of guidance on decontamination and if reviewed regularly will be a useful aid to policy writing and assessment of decontamination practice at local level.
Results Reliability:
Yes
Problems or Biases:
No
Relevant Studies:
Information/policy documents/assessment tools and related external links are included in the web directory
Keywords:
decontamination surgical instruments sterile services departments medical devices
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Infection Control Nurses Association