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Reusable & single-use medical devices standards : standards for the reprocessing of reusable medical devices and for the use of single-use medical devices in all health care facilities and settings

Description

Establishes minimum requirements for the use of single-use medical devices and the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices between client use. Compliance with these... More ≫

Description

Establishes minimum requirements for the use of single-use medical devices and the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices between client use. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for Alberta Health Services (AHS) and their contracted service providers. Alberta Health recommends the standards be applied in any setting where health services are provided and where a single-use or reusable medical device may be used or reprocessed, including privately operated community-based health care settings, home-based businesses, and private clinics.

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Infection prevention and control strategy : update 2015

Description

Prior to 2008, each Regional Health Authority in Alberta developed its own specific infection prevention and control (IPC) services and programs. When patient-safety gaps in IPC services were... More ≫

Description

Prior to 2008, each Regional Health Authority in Alberta developed its own specific infection prevention and control (IPC) services and programs. When patient-safety gaps in IPC services were identified in 2007, it was evident that a provincial, coordinated approach to IPC and hand hygiene was needed. In 2008, the ten-year Alberta Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and the Alberta Hand Hygiene Strategy were released. The strategies outlined objectives and proposed actions to improve IPC hand hygiene across Alberta’s health system and in Alberta communities. In 2013, at the mid-point of implementing the strategies, a series of external reviews were conducted to assess how well the goals and objectives of the strategies were being met. The reviews found that significant progress has been accomplished, but that more can be done.

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Standards for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices for health care facilities and settings

Description

These standards set minimum requirements for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices. The goals of these standards are to: minimize the risk of exposure or injury and... More ≫

Description

These standards set minimum requirements for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices. The goals of these standards are to: minimize the risk of exposure or injury and prevent transmission of microorganisms; contain contaminated materials; minimize damage to medical devices from foreign material or inappropriate handling; and minimize the time from the point of use to reprocessing of the medical device. Higher standards may be required based on specific circumstances. Standards and guidelines established by Health Canada and the CSA may also be applicable.

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Standards for infection prevention and control – accountability and reporting

Description

Effective infection and prevention control (IPC) is grounded in clear accountability and lines of responsibility; the establishment of clinical standards while essential, is not sufficient. The... More ≫

Description

Effective infection and prevention control (IPC) is grounded in clear accountability and lines of responsibility; the establishment of clinical standards while essential, is not sufficient. The purpose of these standards is to promote clarity in regard to the roles and responsibilities of key positions in Alberta Health Services, including senior executives, and medical officers of health with regard to this important aspect of client, worker and public safety. The accountability and reporting standards in this document apply to IPC matters.

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Standards for single-use medical devices : as applied to critical and semi-critical medical devices

Description

These standards have been developed for use in all health care facilities and settings and apply to critical and semi-critical medical devices. They have been developed with input from experts... More ≫

Description

These standards have been developed for use in all health care facilities and settings and apply to critical and semi-critical medical devices. They have been developed with input from experts including an infectious disease physician, infection prevention and control professionals, public health professionals and the Health Quality Council of Alberta.

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Provincial review of infection prevention and control

Description

Following a situation concerning inadequate sterilization of surgical instruments at an Alberta hospital, in March 2007 the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness asked regional health... More ≫

Description

Following a situation concerning inadequate sterilization of surgical instruments at an Alberta hospital, in March 2007 the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness asked regional health authorities, the Alberta Cancer Board, and the health professional regulatory bodies to review and advise him on their infection prevention and control (IPC) policies, programs and systems. This report of the provincial review outlines the importance of IPC in the context of Alberta's health system and what was learned about the current state of IPC in Alberta. It identifies directions for moving forward, including specific actions to strengthen and enhance infection prevention and control across the health system in Alberta.

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