RISK ASSESSMENT OF GASTROENTEROLOGY INFECTION CONTROL: A FAILURE MODE AND EFFECTS ANALYSIS

Authors : Yasemin Aslan, Işıl Çakıcı

Pages : 671-694

Doi:10.61859/hacettepesid.1691178

View : 50 | Download : 219

Publication Date : 2025-12-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aims to assess the risk analysis of gastroenterology processes in a private hospital located in Istanbul using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The study, designed as a cross-sectional descriptive study, was conducted to identify risks in the gastroenterology department based on written procedures, specialist opinions, and past incident records, by the risk assessment team between August 1 and August 15, 2024. The data collection form included the main and sub-processes, possible failures, their causes and effects, probability, severity, and detectability scores, pre-risk scores, risk priority, precautions, a timeline, and post-risk scores. A total of 62 risks were identified. Before applying FMEA, 33.9% of the risks were classified as high, 3.2% as medium, and 62.9% as low or very low, but after corrective actions were implemented, the rate of high risks decreased to 11.3% and the rate of medium risks increased to 25.8%. The highest risk scores were associated with the organic residues on gastroscopes and colonoscopes becoming a suitable medium for microbial growth, incorrect concentration of high-level disinfectants, lack of minimum effective concentration testing for disinfectants, missing records of washing machine programs, inability to detect adenosine triphosphate (ATP) residues on the environment and surfaces of endoscopes, and the risk of infection due to devices being used on different patients without sufficient re-cleaning. In addition, items such as improper storage of gastroscopes and colonoscopes, insufficiently qualified personnel, and lack of attention to hand hygiene and glove use were found to have high risk scores. The total risk priority number initially was 3960 and decreased to 2677 following the corrective actions. The study results indicate that the gastroenterology unit involves high risks for infection control, which should be prioritized to ensure the safety of both patients and staff. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis can be used as an effective risk assessment tool in healthcare.
Keywords : Risk değerlendirmesi, enfeksiyon kontrolü, hata türleri ve etkileri analizi, hastane

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