Authors (including presenting author) :
Hui MY (1), Ng YS (1), Lam SC (2), Lok WY (3), Lee SW (4), Lam YF (1), Ko WC (1), Lee YC (1), Lai YM (1), Tam CL (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Tung Wah Hospital, (2)Department of Surgery, Tung Wah Hospital, (3)Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, (4)Sterile Supplies Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
CPAP Titration is one of the services provided by ENT department which requires a CPAP mask, tubing and CPAP machine. Cleaning the CPAP equipment is vitally important to the life of the equipment and to patients’ health. Inappropriate cleaning and drying of CPAP equipment may result in causing infection of patients and damage of equipment. In the past, used masks and tubings were disinfected by Cidex OPA solution. It is a high-level disinfectant and a well-known occupational skin irritant which PPE must always be worn. Also, it takes 5-7 days for the assurance of the complete dry of the equipment which is time-consuming. Prompted by increasing health concerns related to the use of Cidex OPA, an alternative disinfection method should be used. According to the manufactory CPAP masks disinfection guideline, one of the cleaning options is thermal disinfection. In 2022, We started the collaboration with QMH/CSSD for disinfection by thermal disinfection and the result is satisfied until now.
Objectives :
We aimed to achieve a total elimination of Cidex OPA using in the disinfection procedure, so as: 1. To enhance the patient safety on using CPAP equipment 2. To eliminate toxic and sensitizing substances from the hospital environment 3. Promote Occupational Safety Health by minimizing the use of Cidex OPA solution
Methodology :
1. Review the CPAP masks disinfection guidelines from the manufacturer 2. Identifying the possible disinfection options and equipment which can be used in the current hospital setting 3. Searching for a suitable collaborator for assistance with the disinfection process 4. Collaborate with QMH/CSSD and develop CPAP mask disinfection guidelines 5. Introduce the CPAP masks disinfection system to ENT Day Centre nursing staff
Result & Outcome :
1. Ensure the hygienic of CPAP mask and keep it safe to use 2. Replace reusable tubing by single-used tubing 3. To set and standardize the cleaning instructions and the disinfection method of CPAP masks 4. Protect the healthcare workers to repeatedly exposure to the chemical detergent 5.Eliminated the Cider OPA storage in clinical area There were altogether 17 masks sent to QMH/CSSD for disinfection purpose in the past 8 months. All of them were returned and sealed properly within 3 working days. The reusable tubing was replaced by single-used tubing. Cidex OPA was discontinued from department storage and usage. It is believed the toxic and sensitizing substances are eliminated in the hospital environment. All nurses in ENT Day Centre are satisfy to the CPAP masks disinfection program.
