Decontamination
instrument utilisation to reallocation all contribute to value-added return on investment scenarios. Using data efficiently allows reprocessing departments to improve workflow and efficiencies, reduce risk and improve quality, and standardise and optimise operations. ‘Technology enabler’ includes reviewing
track and trace instrument tracking system integration and utilisation. How well does the reprocessing department utilise the system functionality? Is the system integrated into the surgery schedule to prioritise workflow? Are guided workflows utilised to ensure process compliance? How well does leadership utilise performance metrics to improve operations? Enabling technology is an exciting proposition for reprocessing departments worldwide and one worthy of investment.
Sustainability The last enabler, ‘Sustainability’, carries different definitions and priorities depending on where in the world you are. Carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and single use versus reusable devices are often the focus of environmental conversations but there’s much more to sustainability. Value Based Procurement (VBP) is gaining traction under the sustainability umbrella. VBP evaluates the lifetime value of a product by considering clinical and outcome value, economic value, environmental value, and social value. No longer is the lowest price the only procurement attribute. Three common elements of the sustainability enabler include environmental, employee wellbeing, and social value. Reprocessing environment sustainability includes utility use, disposable, optimising instrument usage, equipment lifecycle, reduction in errors and rework, and linking reprocessing to carbon reduction. Employee wellbeing has the potential to impact all reprocessing performance metrics by improving quality, compliance, and efficiency. From diversity, equity, and inclusion to employee recognition and work life balance, employee wellbeing is impactful and worthy of investment.
Social value takes on different meanings depending on location but in general is refers to the local community impact the business provides. Local employment, volunteering and community contributions, and procurement of local goods and services are examples of social value.
Next steps Regardless of size, location, or service model, every reprocessing department can improve performance by assessing and strengthening the six enablers. Together, they provide a practical framework for achieving safe, compliant, efficient, and sustainable reprocessing operations. In part two of our four-part series, we will dive
into the details of ‘Capacity’ and ‘People’ enablers and how to measure, justify investment, and take action to shape and improve reprocessing performance.
CSJ
References 1.
https://www.steris.com/healthcare/products/ robotic-instrument-reprocessing
Reprocessing market strategy
As healthcare systems continue to evolve and change, reprocessing strategies are also changing. Market strategy is no longer an alien term in reprocessing. Centralised vs decentralised, hub-and-spoke, offsite reprocessing, and outsourced services are potential options. Executives often ask the following three questions. Where are we today, where should
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we be going, and how do we get there? When planning reprocessing, these questions are just as relevant and can lead to new and creative solutions. Reprocessing no longer has to be a “stuck in the basement” conversation but can become a strategic lever that supports procedural market strategies and healthcare system’s business objectives.
About the author
John Kimsey is Vice President of Processing Optimisation and Customer Success at STERIS, where he helps healthcare organisations optimise reprocessing operations through improvements in people, process, leadership and technology. With more than 30 years’ experience in operational improvement, including over 20 years in sterile processing, he has supported acute care and ambulatory facilities worldwide. John is a published author and international speaker on reprocessing performance, quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
2. M. Ghiyasinasab, N. Lahrichi, Simulation model for the decontamination of surgical instruments and analysis of automation scenarios, November 2020
3. DHSC Value Based Procurement for Medical Technology (2026), NHS Supply Chain, MedTech Europe Value Based Procurement
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