Every patient is entitled to a perfectly clean, pathogen free endoscope. Strict adherence to current guidelines should ensure this, but the emergence of biofilm as a factor in endoscope contamination must be acknowledged. Ongoing studies will dictate changes in policy and practice. This independent study activity is intended to explore the concept of biofilm: What is it? How does it affect an endoscope? How should it affect my practice?

This independent study is intended primarily for RNs with an interest in the prevention of cross-contamination and infection caused by biofilm in GI Endoscopy practice. Perioperative nurses may also benefit. It will also be of interest to GI nursing associates, allied healthcare personnel and MDs involved in endoscopy.

Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Explain biofilm as an infection source in the human body through endoscope contamination
2. Relate findings from studies and literature to clinical area observation and practice
3. State three best practices of disinfection which are particularly important in biofilm elimination

Participants will complete the web-based learning activity. They will view the presentation, then register to complete the evaluation and take the post-test on the website. They will submit the documentation as directed. A bibliographic reference is included for those wishing additional information.

Upon completion of the entire program, achieving a score of 80% on the post-test, and submission of required documentation, participants will be granted 1 contact hour. No partial credit will be granted.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 08747, the District of Columbia Board of Nursing, Provider Number 50-574, the Florida Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 50-574 and the Georgia Board of Nursing, Provider Number 50-574.

It is the responsibility of the licensee to verify acceptance of contact hours for relicensure.

According to the criteria of the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN), 1 hour earned in this activity are considered GI Specific for the purpose of recertification by contact hours through the ABCGN.

This program has been pre-approved by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) for 1 hour.

This program has been approved by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) for 1 hour.

1. Successful completion: Participants will read the module, then register online, achieve a score of 80% on the post-test and submit required documentation. An active printer connection is required to print the certificate of completion. 
2. Conflict of interest: Planners disclose no conflict of interest. The author is a consultant working independently to provide nursing education in endoscopy and infection prevention. As a paid consultant, the author has declared affiliations that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest. In the interest of quality CNE, the author has signed a statement agreeing to present information fairly and without bias.
3. Commercial company support: Fees are underwritten by education funding provided by Cantel Medical. 
4. Non-commercial company support: None.
5. Alternative/Complementary therapy: None

Participants successfully completing the activity and submitting required documentation will be permitted to print a certificate of completion. Participants are advised to retain the certificate for eight years following activity completion.

Replacement of misplaced certificate is available from Educational Dimensions. There is a fee for this service. Request a replacement by contacting us.