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How we’ve always done it An SOP is a living document. It serves best when the document is consistently reevalu- ated for accuracy and relevance. The Sterile Processing industry, like much of healthcare, is always evolving. Facilities run the risk of performing tasks inadequately if “the way we’ve always done it” isn’t achieving SOP outcomes or isn’t synonymous with the facil- ity’s needs. Consider if: ● interdisciplinary roles have changed within the facility
● department employee turnover rate is high ● industry regulations and recommenda- tions have been updated These factors also contribute to how the SOP is being performed and encouraged in the department. Posting SOPs in their designated areas and making them easily accessible is vital to adherence. While having them electronically stored is nice and neat, being sure they can be accessed is a separate story. Technology and software training may be required to retrieve SOPs; and if they are all on one computer on Assembly, how does that serve the other areas through- out the department? Revisiting SOPs on an interim basis (determined by the depart- ment’s needs) also keeps knowledge and practices on the forefront of the SP profes- sional’s mind.
Even the best written SOPs fail if they are not followed. The professionals required to interpret their outlined process need to understand why they are important. Department leaders create buyin to pro- cess improvement based on their leader- ship style. While there are a lot of ways to promote adherence, creating opportunities for engagement will promote process consis- tency. Involving the SP professionals with how the SOP is achieved can create skin in the process improvement game. It also gives them a direct line to how their work impacts the patient. This can be achieved through department best practices, standard works, competencies, and in-services³. Standard operating procedures are nec- essary for the department to function as an entire unit. They are a key component to the hum of productivity in the Sterile Processing department. SOPs contribute directly to the Sterile Processing profes- sional’s workplace experience, perception of value, and noted contributions to the department. Whether that is a positive or negative view is determined by how SOPs are created, implemented, and managed. By creating SOPs based on regulations, indus- try recommendations, facility policies, and incorporating leadership goals, everyone moves towards the SAME positive patient
safety outcome. They allow us to fine tune outdated practices, observe deviations, and even recognize the professionals that are excelling. When Sterile Processing profes- sionals become silent in the department, this is a sign of disengagement, frustration, and unrest. By incorporating SOPs, leader- ship provides an actionable, tangible, and clearly articulated goal that gives everyone something to talk about. HPN
All opinions and views expressed are an extension of Sarah B. Cruz only and are not a representa- tion of any other companies or organizations she is associated with
References: 1.)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niche
2.)
https://workflowautomation.net/blog/standard-operating- procedure-sop
3.)
https://www.rewo.io/standard-work-instructions-and-stan- dard-operation-procedures/#:~:text=Work%20instruc- tions%20should%20be%20narrowed%20to%20an%20 individual,layer.%20They%20describe%20the%20work%20 to%20be%20performed.
Sarah B. Cruz, CSPDT, CRCST, CHL, serves as CS Education Coordinator for The Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital. She also serves as a columnist for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.
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38 December 2022 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS •
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