AS I SEE IT


Cut Supply Costs and Help the Environment Adopt a reprocessing initiative BY SCOTT JACKSON AND KEN DIEBNER


Reprocessing single-use de- vices provides many benefits for ASCs, incl-


uding cost savings and a reduction of the waste a healthcare facility generates. Single-use device reprocessing is a comprehensive manufacturing pro- cess that returns used devices to a condition that is substantially equi- valent to that of a new device. The common devices reprocessed today include ablation wands, arthroscopic shavers, abraders and burs, carpal tunnel release blades, rasps, ream- ers, guide pins, suture grasping devices, coblators, microdissection needles, trocars and cannulas, tourni- quets, and compression sleeves, and are often used by specialists, such as orthopedists, ear nose and throat doctors and general surgeons. The process of setting up a repro-


cessing initiative is simple with a few critical steps: 1. Senior leadership buy-in Programs generating the most sig- nificant savings are those where the administrator and surgeon owners support the implementa- tion of a reprocessing initiative and communicate their interest in maximizing the results of such a program. This helps drive compli- ance, and with greater compliance come greater savings.


2. Staff in-service


If you are currently reprocessing, gathering the staff together for a 15-minute in-service to review the scope of your reprocessing initiative and to discuss the types of devices to be collected will pay incredible


10 ASC FOCUS JUNE/JULY 2020 | ascfocus.org


dividends. Over the years, many more devices have been added to the scope of reprocessing programs and operating room (OR) staff have come and gone. Leveling the play- ing field for everyone with a quick in-service will drive greater savings.


3. Monitor results


As is the case with all process improvement initiatives, monitor the results of the program and share the progress being made with the OR staff. Your reprocessing vendor should be able to provide you with regular savings reports and recom- mendations for adding devices to your program. Make any necessary adjustments and post results just as you would with other on-going projects at your center.


4. Implementation


Instead of disposing of single- use devices in the OR, send them back to your supply, process- ing and decontamination depart- ment, along with all other reus- able devices that the staff will rinse of blood or bioburden. Then, collect the devices in the collection containers provided by your reprocessing company. Once the collection bin fills up, or on a frequency of at least once per month, send the bins to your reprocessing company. Once the devices have been reprocessed, the reprocessing company can return all finished goods back to you at up to 50 percent of your acquisition cost.


The advice and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent official Ambulatory Surgery Center Association policy or opinion.


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