Sterile Processing at Four Facilities Case Study
Improving Central Sterile Processing Operations
Surgery Management Improve-
ment Group Inc. consultants initially responded to these four hospitals' needs to improve central sterile processing operations to meet clinical and regulatory standards by reviewing their current programs and processes.
SMI Group's efforts included an evalua-
tion of:
- instrument processing workflow,
- quality and performance monitoring,
- program design,
- policies and procedures, and central processing staffing
A review of the facility was also conducted to determine constraints to process improvement and service standards and the ability to accommodate current and emerging technology and work processes.
Barriers to efficient workflow were identified and incorporated into an ongoing facility development project. Workflow and facilities teams were developed and facilitated by the consultants. Efficiency improvements that did not require physical redesign of the department were implemented. Critical education needs of the Central Sterile Processing Department were identified by Administration, the consultants, and the Perioperative Director.
Our consultants provided training and education for the processing staff that included the following:
- Mentoring and development of first–line managers at two facilities;
- Competency based orientation program to assess current knowledge base and individual staff training needs in decontamination areas, instrument prep and pack, storage, and distribution at three of the hospitals;
- Development of course outlines and schedules and staff–specific education plans;
- Preparation of test questions for review and discussion with staff; and,
- Incorporation of the CS certification program as established by the National Institute for the Certification of Healthcare Sterile Processing and Distribution Personnel (NICHSPDP) into the educational programs.
Additionally, at two of the clients, the SMi Group provided interim management of the sterile processing departments.
|
|