IAHCSMM VIEWPOINT Sterile Processing Week
Thoughtful planning sets stage for long-term benefi ts By Julie E. Williamson
T
here are many more reasons to celebrate Sterile Processing Week (Oct. 10-16) than just food, beverages, decora- tions, games, and an educational inservice or two added to the mix. While those all have a welcomed place in Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) during the course of the honorary week, proper planning can yield far-reaching perks that benefi t the team in big ways—long after October draws to a close. Over the years, many SP professionals have shared with the International Associa- tion of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) how their advanced and thoughtful Sterile Processing Week planning led to greater recognition and understanding of the SPD’s hard work and critical contributions to patient care (from not only the departments they serve but those in the C-suite). Often, that garnered improved employee satisfaction and interdisciplinary teamwork, and in some cases, even healthier budgets, to ensure SP professionals have the vital resources needed to manage their daily responsibilities effectively, effi ciently and safely.
Open invitations close gaps Sterile Processing Week affords the oppor- tunity to bridge disciplinary gaps and demonstrate fi rsthand the skills, hard work and diligence required to meet customer demands and promote positive patient outcomes. Getting there requires SPD leadership to invite representatives from these other departments to participate in Sterile Processing Week events. Ideally, this will include departmental tours and SP-led education to demonstrate all that goes into every processed instrument, from decontamination to sterilization, prepara- tion and packaging, storage, and delivery for patient use.
“Developing better relationships with
administrators and those in infection preven- tion, surgical services and beyond is very important,” stressed Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, IAHCSMM’s VP of Stra- tegic Initiatives. He explained that forging more fruitful relationships with the C-Suite,
for example, helps them better understand and even visualize the vital role of the SP technician and the value that well-trained, certifi ed and competent staff members in the SPD bring to the organization. And it can begin with a simple conversation and invitation during SP Week.
That approach has worked well for the SPD at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Cen- ter in Idaho Falls. According to the facility’s SP manager, Jan Prudent, BA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, the department hosts open houses that blend refreshments with “Did You Know?” fact sheets to spotlight the various processes within the department, and the SPD’s many accomplishments. All senior leaders within the facility are invited to participate, along with surgeons and other staff members from the Operating Room and other hospital units. Prudent and her SPD team also celebrate the governor’s proclamation for Sterile Processing Week. The organization’s senior leadership par- ticipates by including a copy of the proc- lamation and a brief explanatory writeup for the hospital’s newsletter. The SPD’s certifi ed employees are also recognized in the newsletter. Beyond that, bulletin boards are posted around the facility to showcase the SPD’s successes and the many ways the department’s professionals impact patient care and patient safety. “A congratulatory email is sent out to SPD staff, OR leadership and the C-suite, and the email goes ‘viral’ with everyone chiming in with their appreciation of the accomplish- ments,” Prudent said. “Our CEO seems to always be the fi rst to respond.” In Hartford, Conn., the SPD at the Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital carves out time to celebrate Sterile Processing Week but is wholly dedicated year-round to drumming up broad, facility-wide support and recognition for its hardworking team. As Education Coordinator, Sarah B. Cruz, CRCST, CHL, CSPDT, noted that the SPD adopted a targeted education program to raise the profi le of the SPD across all hospital leaders. She explained how the facility’s chief surgeon—a loyal SPD advocate—helped her
launch a program to enhance the relationship and teamwork between the two depart- ments. Under this program, the SPD chooses one doctor per month and works to address their instrumentation concerns. For other SPDs who might be struggling to gain similar support and attention from their facility’s leaders, Cruz reminds that solid, well presented data is essential. “You need to document your department’s suc- cesses and track the progress and challenges along the way.” Whether SP professionals already have strong partnerships with those in the OR, infection prevention and the C-suite or are still hoping to make those breakthroughs, Berg reminds that Sterile Processing Week is the perfect opportunity to open those doors. “When I served as regional manager for UCHealth in Northern Colorado, we found that celebrating Sterile Processing Week led to year-long recognition of our depart- ment and staff, Cruz said.” Each month, the department recognized one employee for their contributions to the team, event par- ticipation and dedication to quality, safety and customer service, he said. “Every SPD should take time to honor their team and profession during Sterile Processing Week, and I strongly encourage that they plan well to make the most of each of those days. But we shouldn’t limit recogni- tion and acknowledgments to just that one week,” Berg said. “The real benefi ts come when it’s an ongoing endeavor.” HPN
Free IAHCSMM Resources Help Create Your Best Sterile Process Week Ever
IAHCSMM offers many free resources to help SP professionals kick their celebrations up a notch. These resources include Sterile Process- ing Week customizable templates (notecards, posters, appreciation certifi cates and more) that can be downloaded and printed; tips to boost organization-wide awareness and participation; and inspiring ideas to blend high- impact education with the week’s celebratory events. Visit
iahcsmm.org/about/sp-week. html to access these resources.
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