HEALTHCARE
PURCHASING EWSN SELF-STUDY SERIES
January 2022 The self-study lesson on this central service topic was developed by STERIS. The lessons are admin- istered by Endeavor Healthcare Media.
Earn CEUs After careful study of the lesson, complete the examination at the end of this section. Mail the completed test and scoring fee to Healthcare Purchasing News for grading. We will notify you if you have a passing score of 70% or higher, and you will receive a certifi cate of completion within 30 days. Previous lessons are available at
www.hpnonline.com.
Certifi cation The CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) has pre-approved this in-service for one (1) contact hour for a period of fi ve (5) years from the date of original publication. Successful
completion of the lesson and post-test must be documented by facility management and those records maintained by the individual until recertifi cation is required. DO NOT SEND LESSON OR TEST TO CBSPD. For additional information regarding certifi cation, contact CBSPD - 148 Main Street, Suite C-1, Lebanon, NJ 08833 •
www.cbspd.net.
IAHCSMM (International Association of Health- care Central Service Materiel Management)
has pre-approved this in-service for 1.0 Continuing Education Credits for a period of three years, until December 8, 2024. The approval number for this lesson is STERIS-HPN 210812. For more information, direct any questions to Healthcare Purchasing News (941) 259-0832.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Defi ne fi ve types of obsolescence in sterile processing departments
2. Discuss the potential benefi ts that can be derived from obsoleting equipment
3. Understand how to develop a department obsolescence plan
Sponsored by: by Heide Ames
Can you afford to ignore obsolescence?
I
f you say “obsolescence” to sterile processing managers, the fi rst thought that comes to their minds is “major expenditure to replace equipment.” Many managers have been heard to say, “I’m going to use that sterilizer until it stops running!” This may seem the thrifty thing to do – after all, sterilizers can be an expen- sive proposition for any sterile processing department – but it’s not always the right choice. Obsolescence has many hidden costs, but depending on the type, obsoles- cence can also yield benefi ts.
Types of obsolescence Sterile processing departments face fi ve forms of obsolescence: the most common being functional. Adam Hayes defined functional obsolescence as “the reduction of an object’s usefulness or desirability because of an outdated design feature that cannot be easily changed or updated.”1 In the SPD, this translates to aging sterile processing equipment that can’t perform with the processing parameters necessary for today’s complex instrumentation or can’t keep up with the processing pace of the department.
Functional obsolescence also includes products and services that are no longer desirable because of increased cost of ownership, which can be defi ned as the cost to use and support that equipment. Older equipment typically needs more service, requires more repairs, and uses more utilities. It is less desirable to use this equipment as the overall cost of ownership increases. Sterilizers, washers, and other major reprocessing equipment can fall into this category, but surgical instruments can also become functionally obsolete. Sometimes, manufacturers of a given model of equipment or instrument may discontinue the model along with related service and parts. This is a form of func- tional obsolescence since the unavailability of service and parts may prevent the use of the equipment. Technological obsolescence occurs “when a product or service is no longer
34 January 2022 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS •
hpnonline.com
needed or wanted even though it could still be in good working order.”2
Systems
with software features are often the victims of this type of obsolescence. Each new model brings new features, connectivity or processing capabilities preferred over the older model. Though the old models still function, they may sit idle. Washers, steril- izers, and ultrasonic cleaners can become technologically obsolete as newer models provide greater productivity or meet the needs of specialized instrumentation like robotic arms. With the current pace of technological development, advancements have outpaced the useful life of many types of equipment. Today, equipment using software or connecting with computer services are expected to be obsolete in as little as two years from initial introduction. The simple defi nition for legal obsoles-
cence is “a forced retirement of assets.”3 Equipment becomes obsolete due to the actions of an authority such as a local, state or governmental agency that dictates the discontinuation of use. For example, the SPD experiences legal obsolescence when FDA issues a recall or EPA decrees the discontinuation of a specifi c chemical, like ethylene oxide. Legal obsolescence can be immediate or may be phased out over several years. Legal obsolescence can be direct, such as a recall, or indirect through pressures of regulation. For example, ethylene oxide has been around as a sterilant since the 1950s. However, in recent years changes to the hazards classifi cations of ethylene oxide have led to strict regulation of emis- sions, requirements for personnel monitor- ing, and restricted application in healthcare facilities. This increased regulation has raised the cost of ethylene oxide sterilizer operation and restricted its use, resulting in the discontinuation of ethylene oxide sterilization in many healthcare facilities. Style/aesthetic obsolescence can be most
easily defi ned as a product or service that is no longer “fashionable.” Clothing is not the only thing that goes out of style – equip- ment and instruments do too. How many
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