SGNA 45th Annual Course Preview: High Level Disinfection

Behind the Scenes | Thursday, March 22, 2018

A Q&A with Betty McGinty, MS HSA BS RN CGRN

The SGNA 45th Annual Course, taking place this May in Orlando, Florida, is a chance for GI and endoscopy professionals to connect, learn and grow. With more than 100 educational sessions spanning 12 different tracks, there’s no shortage of opportunities to brush up on skills and learn new information.

To give you a sneak peek of this year’s lineup, we spoke with an Annual Course presenter, Betty McGinty, MS HSA BS RN CGRN. Betty will discuss how to develop a stronger team through centralization of high level disinfection, a matter she is personally invested in. Check out her Q&A below to find out what you’ll learn from this session.

Why are you interested in the topic you’re presenting?

I am interested in the topic I am presenting, regarding the centralization of high level disinfection, because I am passionate about high level disinfection and everything that is involved in this method of reprocessing reusable medical devices that include, but are not limited to, flexible endoscopes.

A portion of my passion has grown in me because this is my role in my organization, directing high level disinfection wherever it may occur. I have learned in my position that entertaining the processes in multiple locations can be extremely challenging, and that there could be negative outcomes as a result. We owe our patients flawless processes that occur the same way every time a medical device is reprocessed and prepared for patient use.

I am also interested in this topic because I have learned to embrace high level disinfection principles for devices other than flexible GI and pulmonary endoscopes, to include vaginal and ultrasound probes, laryngoscopes, ENT specialty scopes, and more.

I have developed an appreciation for infection prevention and the partnership we have in preventing infection. I have a seat at the Infection Prevention Committee table, and this is huge for nursing on this medical staff-based committee. I have developed an endoscope quality monitoring program for high level disinfection that will help to ensure that processes are followed, that cleaning effectiveness prior to disinfection is ascertained and that effectiveness of high level disinfection can be monitored.

Why is it important for SGNA members to learn about this?

I see high level disinfection as a wave of the future, much sooner than one would predict. Because the majority of reprocessing and high level disinfection is performed in the GI arena, that is where the experts reside. More and more arenas such as radiation oncology, voice and swallowing elements of rehab, and imaging centers are acquiring equipment that either requires, or affords a preference to, high level disinfection. Requirements to set up reprocessing areas involve airflow, pressures, and equipment that are costly and cumbersome to maintain, particularly for low volume usage. GI Reprocessing may be called upon to embrace the reprocessing of other departments’ equipment. This could be looked upon as either an unwelcome suggestion or as an opportunity to shine. SGNA members engaged in this topic can learn of our hospital's journey toward centralization — successes as well as opportunities.

What do you hope attendees will take away from your presentation?

I hope that they will feel empowered to approach the centralization concept within their own organizations. I hope that they will feel comfortable to reach out to us to further share our experiences and to strengthen their intents. I hope that they will be encouraged to entertain a true partnership with their own Infection Prevention departments.

Betty L. McGinty, MS HSA BS RN CGRN, has been an SGNA member since 1987 and involved in SGNA at the local, regional, and national levels over the years. She served as national SGNA President 2013-2014. She has given a number of presentations over the years and is a current SGNA Scholar. She has a passion for infection prevention as related to high level disinfection, and her current role at Northside Hospital in Atlanta as High Level Disinfection Safety and Quality Director allows her the opportunity to put this passion into practice.

The SGNA 45th Annual Course will be held in Orlando, Florida, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center. Courses will run May 20-22, with pre-meeting events occurring May 18-19. Learn more on the SGNA Annual Course website and register today.