The module will begin with an overview of the decontamination process and its governing legislation leading to identification of relevant standards, NHS policies and Estates guidance. A detailed analysis of technical standards and guidance will establish the generic design features and automated cycles embedded in thermal washer disinfectors and steam autoclaves. From this background the module will be focus upon validation and maintenance of equipment and its delivery of sterility assurance and workplace safety.

• Pathogen growth and destruction quantitative methods
• Legislation, CoPs and standards which impact on decontamination of medical devices
• Sources of further advice and directives from within the NHS and associated specialist bodies
• Roles and responsibilities for those involved in implementing the operational management policy and procedures for decontamination processes
• Decontamination processes involved in the disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices
• Individual stages within an automated cycle and the consequence of their failure
• Test protocols applied to validate decontamination equipment
• Structure and adequacy of test reports
• Use of test equipment during validation and verification
• Establishing and developing planned and reactive maintenance for efficient and safe support
• Managing the quality and compliance of engineering support for decontamination services

Independent learning via directed reading, tutor/peer forums and research will be assessed via series of short workbook assignments to achieve LO1 and LO2. (750 Words)(50%)

LO3 and LO4 will be assessed via a formal individual work based assignment (1250 words total).(50%)

Due to the professional nature and safety-critical aspects of the medical engineering programme, it is necessary for all components of assessment in this module to be passed. Students must have a rigorous understanding and working knowledge, and be able to demonstrate a minimum Pass-level competence in each aspect of the module in order to satisfy the criteria for: the course’s professional body approval; student membership of the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM); and future registration as an EngTech. As such, no internal compensation should be allowed on this module.

Students will be introduced to this module, its assessment requirements and learning strategies at a residential study weekend, where there will also be initial training relating to this module.

An online module handbook and workbook will be provided which will guide students through
each topic. Series of tasks which will give structure to independent academic study, research
and work based investigation and practical work based learning.

Self-Directed Learning
Students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 58 hours of independent academic study during the course of the module. This will be guided by a series of academic tasks such as producing research reports, working through case studies etc., and will require access to academic resources.

Work-based Component
Students will need to spend a minimum of 80 hours over the course of the module undertaking their work-based tasks. This will include investigation of how aspects of the academic learning apply to the workplace and development of new skills related to maintenance and engineering aspects of the related medical equipment.
Academic contact time will be used to provide academic support for student learning on an ad-hoc basis via the VLE.

Core Texts
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (2013) CFPP 01-01. Choice Framework for Policy and Procedures : Decontamination of surgical instruments. London: The Stationery Office
Regional variations
NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP (2013) WHTM 01-01. Decontamination of medical devices within acute services. Specialist Estates Services
HEALTH FACILITIES SCOTLAND (2001) SHTM 2010 Sterilization. NHS Scotland
HEALTH FACILITIES SCOTLAND (2001) SHTM 2030. Washer-disinfectors. NHS Scotland
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION (2009) BS EN 15883. Washer-disinfectors (all parts). BSI Group
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION (2009) BS EN 285:2006 +A2:2009. Sterilization. Steam sterilizers. Large sterilizers. BSI Group
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION (2006) BS EN ISO 17665-1:2006. Sterilization of health care products. Moist heat. Switzerland: ISO Copyright Office
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (2004) HBN 13. Sterile Services Department. Department of Health


Recommended Reading

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (1997) HTM 2010-2. Design Considerations (Archived). London: The Stationery Office
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (1997) HTM 2030. Washer-disinfectors: Design Considerations (Archived). London: The Stationery Office

MCDONNELL, G. AND SHEARD, D. (2012) A Practical Guide to Decontamination in Healthcare. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell

WALKER, J. (2013) Decontamination in Hospitals and Healthcare (Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials). Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing

Moodle
Staffordshire University Library

1. Explain the design features of decontamination equipment routinely employed in a centralised hospital sterile services department. (KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)

2. Analyse the requirements of technical standards and DH guidance in ensuring equipment is adequately validated and maintained. (ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS)

3. Develop working practices and protocols for the procurement, use and management of test equipment to meet the requirements of guidance, standards and organisations such as UKCAS. (ANALYSIS, APPLICATION, TEAM WORKING)

4. Assess the suitability and effectiveness of engineering support activities applied to decontamination equipment with particular emphasis towards both workplace and patient safety. (ANALYSIS, REFLECTION, APPLICATION, TEAM WORKING).