The application of infection control methods by endoscope centers staffs in hospitals of Tehran University of medical sciences

Nasocomial infection is one of the biggest complications of health care facilities all over the world which involves two millions people with nearly 9 billions dollar in cost in addition to therapeutic expenses each year. This study was carried out in order to determine the application of infection control methods by staff working in endoscope centers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2004-2005. This research is a descriptive study. All ten endoscope centers staff totally 54 physicians, 27 nurses and 14 workers were chosen for the survey. Data gathering instruments consisted of a questionnaire about demographic characteristic of the participants, 6 checklists for evaluating the characteristics of disinfection solutions that workers used for disinfecting endoscope set, the characteristics of endoscope unit environment, the process of disinfecting the set and its environment, as well as the methods used to protect nurses, physicians and associate nurses. The data were gathered by the researchers using observation. Laboratory kits also were another way of data gathering used to get microbial culture from operating room endoscope tubes and disinfecting solutions which were handed in to the hospitals laboratory centers to be analyzed. The gathered data were analyzed via SPSS computer software, and descriptive statistics. The study findings related to the application of disinfecting method in the units show that in 30% percent of hospitals were desirable, 50% semi-desirable and 20% undesirable. Results about the method of reprocessing of endoscopes through staffs showed that only one hospital (10%) was desirable, also 30% semi-desirable and 60% undesirable. About the application of disinfection or sterilization in endoscopes through nursing staff the results showed that 20% of hospitals were desirable, 70% semi-desirable and one hospital (10%) undesirable. Also the way used for protecting staff were shown as undesirable in all hospitals. About the kinds of microorganisms grown in the environment, on the equipments as well as disinfection solution it was shown that that the majority of the growth was for Bacillus (3.6%) and minimum for pseudomonas and staphylococci (%1.8). Totally the results of this study showed that the application of infection control methods through staff of endoscope centers is not suitable. It can result in infectious diseases. Therefore prevention from nosocomial infections in endoscope units based on frequent emphasizes by articles in this regard needs a precise and yearly supervision.