STERILE PROCESSING


not been immune to the impacts, as evi- denced by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management’s (IAHCSMM) efforts to help enact hazard pay for sterile proces- sors for their work during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.1 The fi ght continues for CSSPD pro- fessionals to prove their critical role in patient care and safety to their health system and hospital leaders, on par with other clinical areas. Moving forward, Hadley says CSSPD must become a focus to leadership in order for depart- ments to secure the resources they need for quality and sterility assurance improvements, stating: “Technology in SPD must match the


technology in the OR. Facilities spend millions of dollars for the latest surgical technology but do not match that for managing the care of those instruments.” “The spotlight is fi nally shining on the sterile processing department,” Hadley added. “Senior leaders are realizing the critical importance of this department and are willing to invest for success as never before. Technology in SPD must mirror that of the OR it makes little sense to invest millions on the latest surgical innovation if one can’t adequately care for


the instruments used in those innovative procedures.” Hendee envisions a future where CS


SPD technician training will be on par with the full classroom experience pro- vided to other clinical professionals. He says this model has already begun, with stand-alone and interdepartmental tech training classes “popping up” around the country. For example, the CSSPD tech train- ing program at Northside Hospital in Atlanta requires new CSSPD techni- cians to attend several weeks of classes along with hands-on training. Hendee notes how this model of class time blended with hands-on experience is creating techs with a greater depth of knowledge and a high rate of passing the certification exam. “For decades SPD staff have been seeking recognition for how technically challenging the role is,” Hendee said. “Unfortunately, with so many onboard- ing programs solely based in on-the-job training, the profession is often equated to a factory production line. If classes teaching the basics of asepsis, microbiol- ogy and other clinically relevant topics were part of every technician’s training, the tech would not only possess a greater


understanding of their job, but others within the facility would see the true depth of skill needed to do the job well. Kronstedt foresees a future where there


is greater continuity in how CSSPD qual- itysterility assurance is documented, recorded and monitored, stating: “With the advancements of technol- ogy, paper tracking will disappear and be replaced with digital,” she said. I hope technology will be so advanced that the sterilizers will detect wet loads. Our computer software will track room parameters and notify us when sterility has been compromised in sterile storage.” “What will be the driving force behind all these advancements? Standardization,” Kronstedt added. “Much like the struc- ture and repetition that creates patient safety in the rest of the healthcare set- ting, qualitysterility assurance will also receive its own overhaul of structure that will be the same no matter what facility you walk into, continuing the continuity of care that we have all come to depend.” HPN


Reference:


1. IAHCSMM Hires Federal Lobbyist to Secure Hazard Pay for Sterile Processors, October 13, 2021, https://www.iahcsmm. org/iahcsmm-news/insights-iahcsmm-hires-federal-lobbyist- oct-2021.html


Nominate your team for Sterile Processing Department of the Year


HPN recognizes sterile processing leaders and their staffs for the dedicated team effort required to make central service successful with our annual CS/SPD Department of the Year award. To the many men and women working together on top-notch teams at noteworthy hospitals across the country: Thank you.


Visit https://hpnonline.com/21074298 for nomination requirements Deadline: January 14, 2022.


hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • January 2022 33


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