ECRI Experts Cover Instrument and Equipment Contamination at IAHCSMM Annual Conference

Healthcare continues to be challenged with hospital acquired infections and the associated patient harm and financial loss. At the onset of these outbreaks, healthcare risk management and administration must be familiar with the immediate steps necessary to investigate the source of contamination and prevent recurrence. Investigations of patient contamination and infection can be very costly, time consuming, and non-conclusive if not performed effectively.

During a session titled Surgical Instruments or Equipment Contamination – Incident Investigation and Material Identification at the IAHCSMM Annual Conference, our experts will outline investigation methodologies to rule out potential contributing factors in contamination related to endoscopes, surgical instruments and devices, and hospital facilities. Contaminants include bacterial or fungal organisms, organic elements, and inorganic elements. Our experts will also discuss the benefits of utilizing third party experts in material and chemical analysis during investigations.

Gail Horvath, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST

Patient Safety Analyst IV

Gail Horvath has over 30 years of experience in acute care, quality, risk and patient safety. Before coming to ECRI Institute, she was the perioperative educator for a level one trauma center performing over 13,000 surgical cases annually. Gail has also worked as the clinical director for perioperative services as well as a system manager for perioperative business services in a multi hospital system.

Scott Lucas, PhD, PE

Director, Accident Forensic Investigation

Scott Lucas has consulted in catastrophic events in the automotive, aerospace, maritime, and healthcare industries. He responds to critical healthcare incidents to help leadership determine causation and prevent recurrence. Lucas has leadership responsibility for his group and for planning and operations at ECRI Institute. Lucas publishes, lectures, and provides training on medical device accident investigation in domestic and international venues. Lucas has degrees in mechanical, biomedical, and biomechanical engineering, and is a licensed professional engineer.

Anaheim Marriott and Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) Annual Conference and Expo provides attendees with resources enhance knowledge and promote ongoing quality and professionalism.

Visit the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management website for more information and to register for the IAHCSMM Annual Conference and Expo.