Ofstead & Associates

11/10/2022

Learn about anatomy in 13 minutes!

With standards requiring visual inspection of all flexible endoscopes during processing, it’s important to recognize that every type of endoscope is a little...

11/09/2022

Wanna learn more about FDA MAUDE reports, but are short on time. Watch this 14 minute video on our YouTube channel:

The FDA MAUDE database contains reports of adverse events associated with medical devices, including malfunctions, injuries, and outbreaks. In this video, Ab...

03/17/2022

In response to inquiries about the impact of enhanced reprocessing methods and disposable distal endcaps for duodenoscopes, Ofstead’s team compiled evidence and developed an interactive tool that highlights published articles and government reports. We hope this will increase awareness of the patient safety risks and the need for more effective quality management systems for reprocessing reusable endoscopes. Our new “Guide to duodenoscope trouble areas” illustrates the findings and makes it easy to explore for yourself and gain access to dozens of documents that describe reprocessing failures and outbreaks of infection linked to contaminated ERCP scopes. Follow the link to our interactive tool, and you’ll see it’s not just the elevator mechanism! All references are linked to source documents (just click on the citations).

12/13/2021

New Research Suggests Medical Instrument Processing Personnel May Be Exposed to Tissue, Blood, and Patient Fluids Despite the Use of Personal Protective Equipment

APIC just released findings of a groundbreaking study on “Droplet dispersal in decontamination areas of instrument reprocessing suites” by Cori Ofstead’s research team and sterile processing expert, Marie Brewer CST, CRCST, CHL, GTS, CER, LSSGB. Researchers found that manual cleaning generated droplets that traveled up to five feet from the sink and PPE did not fully prevent exposure. See the data and photos of droplet dispersal for yourself by downloading the free article (link below).

Ofstead is seeking partners to take this research to the next level.

https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0196-6553(21)00689-1

10/26/2021

Biofilm: A slimy microbial community that lives on medical devices

Soil, bioburden, biofilm… What does it mean for your sterile processing department? Biofilm adheres to surfaces, resists cleaning and disinfection efforts, and can foster antibiotic resistance. In this webinar, two presenters with expertise in epidemiology and microbiology explain the different types of residual organic debris that can be left behind due to inadequate reprocessing. Cori and her team will discuss study findings and outbreak investigations and explore the possible roles of residual soil, damage, and retained moisture in biofilm development. Participants will learn how to develop and implement multifaceted policies and workflows to address factors contributing to biofilm formation in their departments.

This CE-eligible webinar dives into the nitty-gritty of biofilm and lays out strategies for how you can keep it off your medical devices and instruments.

https://ofstead.elevate.commpartners.com

Ofstead specializes in designing studies and conducting real-world research to validate healthcare guidelines, treatments, product claims, and processes of care.

10/20/2021

Do you need CE credits for an application or recertification for your APIC - Infection Prevention and You Certification in Infection Prevention and Control? We offer approved CE by IAHCSMM & California Board of Registered Nursing & CBSPD on many topics-- including using a borescope to inspect endoscope interior channels. Find CE for your CIC at:

10/13/2021

APIC Minnesota members:
Do you need CE credits for an application or recertification for your APIC - Infection Prevention and You Certification in Infection Prevention and Control? We offer approved CE by IAHCSMM & California Board of Registered Nursing and CBSPD on many topics-- including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration MAUDE database. Find our FREE CE for your APIC CIC at:
https://ofstead.elevate.commpartners.com/

10/12/2021

Latest issue of EndoPro Magazine's IAHCSMM Guest Editorial features discussion between by Julie Williamson and Cori Ofstead titled "Certification and Continuing Education Can Improve Scope Processing Quality and Safety"

EndoPro - Sept/Oct 2021

10/12/2021

Do you need CE credits for an application or recertification for your APIC Certification in Infection Prevention and Control? We offer approved CE by IAHCSMM & California Board of Registered Nursing and CBSPD on many topics-- including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration MAUDE database. Find our FREE CE for your APIC CIC at:

https://ofstead.elevate.commpartners.com/