PRODUCTS & SERVICES Challenges


Seymour commented on the challenges and obstacles that occur when working with HLD and sterilization processes. She says, “Most common challenges are related to lack of edu- cation and training on both microbiocidal modalities, processes, equipment, products, and device compatibility. These areas often lack formal training and education systems on both modalities. Some may share educators with other departments who are unable to devote the time needed. Staffi ng shortages and turnover is a contributor to this as well. Staff may not receive training because experi- enced staff are not available to properly train on the processes.” “Downtime due to repairs, poor utilities, and improper maintenance are additional challenges. Often instructions for use (IFU) are not followed. IFUs create challenges due to length, signifi cant number of steps, and confl icting instructions from the device, equipment, and consumables. Reconciliation can often lead to situations where the practice confl icts with standards. Vendor in-services and training, a facility competency-based training program, and continuing education can help in the reconciliation process.” Additionally, Seymour adds, “Manual pro- cesses continue to be a challenge. Manual cleaning and HLD is prone to misunder- standing. Every endoscope manufacturer and model has a unique IFU. Remembering all the steps and required accessories is diffi - cult. Add to this the pressure to process endo- scopes faster, which creates an opportunity to miss a step(s). Some solutions are easier to solve, increased inventory for example. Some changes look towards technology. Using val- idated automated processes and technologies help reduce human errors when using HLD or sterilization. Workfl ow software which defi nes and checks the steps of processing can also help reduce the educational hurdle facilities face.


And for solutions, Seymour states that


“Ultimately, education and certification will remain a cornerstone for mitigating or eliminating challenges and obstacles in SPD and GI.” Berg comments, “The most common chal- lenges or obstacles found in sterile processing departments regarding the processing of med- ical devices, either by HLD or sterilization, are two-fold: time and complexity. “When looking at the process and workfl ow needed to process devices accurately and safely, it is essential to understand how long these steps take—not just by following the IFU but also by working with the layout of the department, the staff members assigned, and any external challenges. One solution is to map out the process steps in the department, taking into consideration the entire workfl ow “current state” and then seeing what can be improved and done to mitigate the obstacles


and, hopefully, remove unnecessary steps. This approach can make it easier to work in the department and free up valuable needed time so the team can perform the correct steps and processes for either HLD or sterilization.” “The second issue our professionals face is the complexity of today’s medical devices,” Berg adds. “It is not that we cannot process these devices or lack the sterilization/disin- fection technology to do what is required, but there is a greater need for training—and maintaining employee competencies. In addi- tion to the learning curve, these devices can also require additional or new equipment to align with the processing instructions. Understanding the complexity and needs that will challenge our processes and people will help in the development of an effective strategy. An effective approach is for ster- ile processing leaders to participate in the healthcare organization’s purchasing process; in doing so, they can be part of the review process and provide valuable input about the HLD and sterilization processes (to include departmental needs such as staffi ng, training and equipment).”


Jon Wood, MBA, CRCST, CST, clinical edu- cator, HSPA, added his comments as well. He says, “There have been numerous media reports about contaminated surgical instru- mentation making its way to the operating room. Whether you work in healthcare or not, this type of situation should be one of those never events. In a recent news article, there is mention of staffi ng shortages within the sterile processing department. As the article suggests, I feel staffi ng shortages are among the most common challenges sterile process- ing leaders face today.” “In today’s sterile processing departments,


technicians are processing more complex devices than ever before in history,” Wood


adds. “In some facilities, there may be a lack of understanding concerning the complexity of instru- mentation, along with the resources required to main- tain medical devices. These devices require precise cleaning steps and instructions that, when done correctly, can require signifi cant time (some key examples are the decontamina- tion of endoscopes and robotic instruments). Internal and external visualization and test- ing is essential, precise and requires a time commitment, and no steps can be rushed or skipped.” He says “All too often, the demands and expectations for medical device processing and turnover puts increased pressure on ster- ile processing—to the point where cleaning and processing steps start to suffer (such as skipping or rushing steps to meet demands of procedural areas). After a while, the missed steps and cut corners can become the new accepted practice, which obviously poses a risk to patient safety.”


Jon Wood


Yet, Wood remains optimistic, “Hope is not lost, but it takes work and committed leaders, not only in sterile processing but within our operating rooms and other procedural areas. Surgeons and hospital leadership must also understand the complexity of the given task, collect data, streamline processes and ulti- mately determine the appropriate number of staff that will be able to safety and effectively process the medical devices. This is a con- tinual process that needs to be consistently evaluated to ensure the department is meeting the demands of its customers and the needs of the patients. HPN


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Owen Mumford .............................................13 OwenMumford.com Ruhof Corporation ......................................C2 ruhof.com


This index is provided as a service. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions. 30 December 2023 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • hpnonline.com

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