Abstract:Objective To investigate the management status of water preparation, equipment maintenance and water quality monitoring for the final rinsing for flexible endoscopes in all levels of medical institutions(MIs) in Jilin Province, provide a scientific basis for the standardized management of water for the final rinsing of flexible endoscopes. Methods From January to May 2020, based on the platform of endoscopic nursing and infection control professional committee of Jilin Research Hospital Association, MIs in 9 cities in Jilin Province carrying out flexible endoscopy diagnosis and treatment projects were selected, and self-made questionnaire for flexible endoscope was adopted to investigate persons in charge of the management of final rinsing water in endoscopy centers (departments) and voluntarily participated in the project. Results A total of 75 questionnaires were distributed, and 72(96.0%) were available, among 72 MIs, 64(88.9%) endoscopy centers (departments) were independently supplied water by departments. In terms installation of final rinsing water production equipment, 22(45.8%) MIs were equipped with water pre-treatment devices for raw water, and 19(26.4%) MIs were equipped with reverse osmosis systems. In terms of maintenance of production equipment for final rinsing water, 19(26.4%) MIs have formulated equipment-related quality inspection, repair and maintenance systems, and 34(47.2%) MIs recorded equipment maintenance, consumables replacement and so on; among the MIs that installed equipment such as raw water pre-treatment and filter membrane, 18(54.5%) MIs replaced pre-treatment consumables regularly, and 50(75.8%) MIs replaced filter membranes regularly; 35(48.6%) MIs regularly disinfected the final rinsing water pipeline and water storage tank. In terms of quality monitoring of final rinsing water, 26(36.1%) MIs had relevant monitoring systems and corresponding records for the quality of final rinsing water, 59(81.9%) MIs regularly performed microbiological testing of final rinsing water. Conclusion MIs at all levels have insufficient scientific understanding and attention to the management of final rinsing water for flexible endoscopes, resulting in low allocation rate of water producing equipment, corresponding systems, and low implementation rate of equipment maintenance, water quality monitoring and water use records. Quality control of endoscopic final rinsing water should be paid more attention, strengthen scientific research, formulate relevant specifications, and unify industry standards and behaviors, so as to ensure the quality of final rinsing water and medical safety.