IPs discuss APIC's white paper, which highlights IPs frustrations with outdated and unclear medical device IFUs and the challenges they face.
Recently, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) published the Modernizing Medical Device Instructions for Use(IFUs): Infection Preventionists Speak Up for Patient Safety,” which illuminates the complexities, inefficiencies, and frustrations associated with IFUs. IPs have expressed concerns about the need for more clarity, outdated information, brand-specific instructions, and contradictions between device specifications and IFUs. These challenges consume valuable time and pose risks to patient safety.
After speaking with Kelly Zabriskie, MLS, BS, CIC, FAPIC, vice chair of APIC's Public Policy Committee, to learn more about IPs' challenges with IFUs, Infection Control Today® (ICT®) hosted a panel of 3 experienced IPs.
Each IP gave examples of stories of challenging issues they have had with IFUs.
“For me, this white paper is the culmination of many years of IPs' experience being a middle person between manufacturers and regulators in terms of the appropriate use of devices in the healthcare setting, and important to us is their cleaning and disinfection,” Wilson said. “So, there have been a number of issues that have been identified in the white paper that are going to resonate with infection preventionists that read it through our experiences in health care, even maybe before we were IPs in health care, and so I appreciate APIC taking this step to recognize that we are just messengers in this process. And we need some support from the manufacturers and regulators for real, sustainable change to improve the health care safety environment.”
Infection Control Today's May Trending Topic: National Nurses Month
King agreed, “One of the most important parts of the white paper was their recommendations. That standardized format for IFUs and making the IFUs last for the lifespan of the product indicate when the IFP was last updated because that's important as well. One of my pet peeves was making sure that you're not too vendor-specific on the products that are recommended for cleaning.”
All 3 IPs agreed that APIC’s paper on IFUs was comprehensive and well laid out. Ridge said, “The action plan is just perfectly in line [with] where we need to go, especially as an organization for infection prevention…. The only thing I would like to hear a little bit more focus on is that we have this great partnership with our vendors, and we are very active with our sponsors and our national committee. However, we push that relationship that the vendors need to have and know about infection prevention because sometimes it goes beyond just a sellable product. It's what's feasible for the end user to do. They're not always in the same, again, same understanding as we do. So, to make sure that vendors understand what's out there, what's normal, how do we partner together, and we're going to ask questions, and it's going to take a while to have that collaboration in place.”
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.