The trials and pitfalls of delivering an ‘in-house’ Certificate III Sterilisation Services
Mandy Davidson1, , 1The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Douglas, QLD, Australia
Background
During completion of the AS/NZS 4187:2014 gap analysis, required by the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Healthcare (the Commission), the organisation reviewed educational requirements for staff who undertake reprocessing. The organisation adopted a risk-based approach; staff who work in a CSD or reprocess endoscopes, must hold a Certificate III in sterilisation services (CertIII).
Methods
A decision was made to invest within the organisation to support an in-house delivery of this qualification. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team were best placed to support delivery. As reprocessing of reusable medical devices sits under Standard 3 of the Commission’s accreditation scheme. Senior members of the IPAC team held the requisite CertIII and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. We briefly describe our experience in the planning and delivery of a CertIII level course since commencement in 2019.
Results
During this journey we have partnered with 2 different RTOs to support delivery. Several challenges were encountered, these included; the variances between the RTOs, changing the modalities of delivery and getting students released for education and assessments. In addition, students identified conflict with staff holding older versions of a CertIII about the requirements of the Standard.Despite the challenges of COVID-19, 21 students have successfully completed the course.
Conclusions
Delivery of an in-house CertIII is a significant investment in the education and training of your reprocessing workforce. It highlighted gaps in current knowledge for staff and has improved the education level within the units.
Biography
Mandy Davidson is an experienced registered nurse at the Townsville Hospital and Health service in North Queensland. The health service includes a 650 bed tertiary referral hospital, 7 rural hospitals and 2 aged care facilities. Since June 2011, has been working as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Infection Prevention & Control. For the last 5 years, she has been assisting units to meet the requirements of AS/NZS 4187 across the organisation. She holds a post graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control as well as a Certificate III in Sterilisation Services. She is credentialed CIPC Advanced.