Optical illusions: The vital importance of instructions for use and intentionally approaching eye device processing

• Published in: American journal of infection control Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 324 - 330
• Main Authors: Hoffman, Katharine J., Waldowski, Lisa, Bossert, James, Ray, Leslie, Taite, Lisa, Stephenson, G. Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Disinfection - methods; Eye health; Eye instruments; Health Facilities; Humans; Intended use; Ophthalmic devices; Optical Illusions; Patient safety; Policy; Sterilization - methods; Eye instruments; Patient safety; Ophthalmic devices; Eye health; Intended use; Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.09.009

The purpose of this process and quality improvement activity was to address opportunities identified with cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization requirements for eye devices, and implement a robust and sustainable processing system to support safe patient care. Through the lean 6 Sigma methodology, the evaluation of noncritical, semicritical and critical device processing was conducted. A hierarchal approach to law, regulation, manufacturer’s instructions for use, evidence-based guidelines, consensus documents, facility risk assessments, policy, and procedure was conducted. Over 15 diverse clinical areas within a large health care network were assessed for utilization of ophthalmic and optometric devices, with the review of inventory for manufacturer-instructed cleaning, disinfection and sterilization compliance. An interdepartmental multidisciplinary team with oversight of over 10 service lines led the implementation of point-of-use treatment, transport, high-level disinfection, sterilization, storage, and documentation based on intended use. During this experience, infection Preventionists performed a vital role in supporting a highly reliable cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization process. This undertaking required a team approach to apply instructions for uses and evidence-based practice that promoted sustainability and ultimately led to supporting the prevention of health care–associated infections and patient harm. •Opportunities exist with cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of eye devices.•Instructions for use can be hard to read, may mislead in language, or omit steps.•Utilize evidence-based guidelines that align with eye device processing.•Sustainable process improvement entails key stakeholders and subject matter experts.•Review options for single-use devices routinely.