Endoscopy Equipment: Best Practices for Repair Reduction and Cost Containment

Topic:
Maintenance and care both play a big role when ensuring that endoscopes are functioning properly. By consistently documenting the type, cost and frequency of repairs, you are better able to assess when endoscopy devices should undergo maintenance and when the equipment should be replaced. But basic reprocessing training and job accountability also need to be part of the equation. Staff should understand that improper protocols might compromise patient safety and lead to delays overtime and physician dissatisfaction.

Speakers:

Eddie Garces, Chief Quality Improvement Officer, is the Vice President of the Medical Production Repair Group in Olympus Medical Equipment Services America Inc. In this role Eddie is responsible for the repair of endoscopy products throughout the United States and oversees nineteen facilities and over 4700 employees. His responsibilities include providing repair and technical support to Olympus Canada as well as Olympus Latin America. Eddie currently sits on the MOES Board of Directors and is a member of the OAI/OIMA Ethics Committee. Eddie was recently appointed to the position of Chief Quality Improvement Officer for MOES and OAI.

Cesar Pernia is currently the Regional Service Manger of Endoscopy repair for Olympus America for the Mid Atlantic Region and oversees approximately 500 repairs per month. Cesar has extensive training by Olympus in endoscope construction, repair processes, repair cause and analysis and well as CDS.

Nancy Schlossberg, BA, BSN, RN, CGRN is the Business Development Specialist, Olympus America Inc. Responsibilities include developing benchmarked and best practice based analysis consulting templates focusing on GI reprocessing, efficiency, repair reduction and reimbursement. In addition, she was the SGNA President for 2000-2001, a GI nurse since 1977, certified since 1985.

James Soares is the Executive Director, Service marketing, Medical Systems Group, Olympus America. He has worked in sales and consulting on products and services to the GI audience for 18 years.