Healthcare Articles from the Press
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12/05/23
URGENT: MEDICAL DEVICE REMOVAL
Name: Soltive SuperPulsed Laser System – Fiber Strippers and Cleavers
Due to the nature of the work performed in sterile processing departments (SPDs), SP technicians are often required to perform physically demanding tasks for prolonged periods of time. As a result, there is a high probability they will develop a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) or other injury. Such injuries can be attributed to a lack of attention to ergonomics in the work environment, equipment layout, employee movements, and other factors.
Many ambulatory surgery centers are still using a single sink to reprocess endoscopes, but that could be a thing of the past in the next few years.
The reason? Surveyors are becoming increasingly observant as to whether sterile processing departments (SPDs) at surgery centers are implementing a linear flow in their operations. In other words, the devices being reprocessed should always be moving from “dirty to clean.”
11/21/23
Preserving Package Integrity and Device Sterility: Essential Components of Patient Safety
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
Sterile processing (SP) is an essential aspect of patient care, ensuring that high-quality, clean, sterile and well-functioning devices are available when needed. Of all the critical processes SP professionals perform, the safe and appropriate transport of sterile items to the point of use is one that is frequently overlooked.
Sterile processing departments (SPDs) play a crucial role in healthcare facilities, ensuring that medical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and safe for patient use. The effectiveness and efficiency of SPDs depends not only on technical skills and protocols, but also on the behavior and interactions of the personnel within these departments. This article explores the influence of three psychological phenomena—the Dunning-Kruger effect, the halo effect, and the bystander effect—on the performance and dynamics of SPDs.
11/13/23
Sterile Processing Leaders, Do You Know How ST108 Affects Device Processing?
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
11/12/23
Don’t Sweat Your Next SPD Survey
10/23/23
Enzyme Activity vs. Temperature
10/18/23
Patient Safety Trifecta
By Don Sadler
10/16/23
Why Is an Enzymatic Detergent Essential in Ultrasonics?
Blog, Infection Control, Sterile Processing, Ultrasonics
10/11/23
KPIs Spur Powerful Sterile Processing Department Improvement
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR, and Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, AA, CRCST, CHL
10/03/23
How AORN’s Updated Design & Maintenance Guideline Affects SPDs
By Sue Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS, Clinical Educator, HSPA
09/28/23
The changing landscape of sterile processing storage and containment
Kara Nadeau
09/27/23
Verify Your Cleaning Methods! Insights from an AAMI Summit
By Brian Stallard
09/21/23
Keys to Successful High-Level Disinfection And Sterilization Processes
Heidi Reuss-Lamky
LVT, VTS
09/14/23
Cleanliness Assurance Requires Interdepartmental CollaborationCommunication between SPD and EVS staff can eliminate critical gaps.
By: Outpatient Surgery Editors
09/10/23
Establishing & and Maintaining a Great Culture in Sterile Processing
Pure Processing - The Reprocessing Report
09/06/23
Managing Loose Devices to Reduce Workload, Increase Throughput
By David Taylor, MSN, RN, CNOR; Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, AA, CRCST, CHL; and Albert Huether, MBA, CRCST
08/29/23
Journey of an Instrument
Ultra Clean Systems
08/27/23
Best Practices Beat Fast Processes Every Time
Manual Versus Automated Device Instrument Cleaning
8/23/23
Loaned Device Management is Crucial for Patient Safety
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
08/21/23
Performance Qualification Testing Improves Processing of Lumened Surgical Instruments in Ultrasonic Cleaners
Kevin Anderson MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, Mary Ann Drosnock DHSc, MS, CIC, CFER, RM, FAPIC, AAMIF, Stephen M. Kovach BS, CFER, Thea Zitek BA
08/17/23
Developing Infection Prevention and Control Processes, Policies and Procedures: Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines
08/15/23
Joint Commission releases new guide on reprocessing medical devices
08/07/23
Keeping it sterile: Fundamentals of sterile storage
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
08/06/23
Pinpointing, Resolving Problems: Setting Up SP Technicians for Success
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
08/02/23
SPD and OR Leaders: Don’t Muddle the Huddle
Albert Huether, Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, David Taylor
07/25/23
Navigating case carts, kits, and trays in the surgical services setting
07/18/23
Department Scorecards and Metrics: How to Build Meaningful Scorecards
Pure Processing
07/11/23
Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing
Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC
Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., CIC, FAPIC
07/10/23
Duodenoscopes With Disposable Caps Have Less Microbial Contamination
ENDOPRO Mag
07/06/23
Sterile Processing Beyond the Operating Room
By Jill E. Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST
07/04/23
A Road Map to Off-Site Sterilization
Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT
07/03/23
TJC Names Top 5 2022 Infection Prevention Challenges; 3 Impact SPD
By Susan Klacik
06/29/23
Ultraclean
06/23/23
Shifting strategies and sites for reprocessing success
06/22/23
Still time to comment on proposed new IC requirements for hospitals, critical access hospitals
The Joint Commission
06/20/23
Creating a Top-Performing Sterile Processing Department
By: Jared Bilski
06/19/23
Gentle cleansers kill viruses as effectively as harsh soaps, study finds
HPN
06/15/23
Protecting Every Somebody’s Somebody: The Passion of a SPD
Author: Brian Stallard
06/13/23
Questions to Think About When Addressing Understaffing in Your Scope Processing Area
Authors: Garland-RheaGrisby &
Petra M.Richards
06/12/23
The Essentials: The Foundation of Top-Quality Instrument Care
By: Jared Bilski
06/09/23
Defining Precleaning Workflows Improves Safety, Saves Time
OR Management News
06/08/23
Duodenoscopes With Disposable Caps Have Less Microbial Contamination
Endo Pro Mag
06/05/23
Focused Networking Opens Doors for Sterile Processing Success
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS
06/02/23
The Future-Thinking Sterile Processing Professional
06/01/23
Travel Advisory: Traveling Techs Changing Face of SPD
By: David Taylor
05/30/23
Human vs. Machine: Which Ensures Devices Are Clean?
By: James Schneiter
05/26/23
A Road Map to Off-Site Sterilization
Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT
05/25/23
The ups and downs of SPD from 2022 to 2023
2023 SPD Salary Survey
HPN
5/18/23
The Power of Tray Rationalization
Right-size your instrument rotation to reduce waste, lighten staff’s load and save money.
By Outpatient Surgery Editors
05/16/23
HROs and Just Culture: Core Concepts for SPD Quality
By Marie Brewer, CST, CRCT, CIS, CHL, CER, GTS, CLSSBB
5/15/23
How Clean Are Your Surgical Instruments?
05/09/23
A “Recipe” for Proper Manual Sterile Processing
05/02/23
Holes or no holes in my mats
Stephen M. Kovach
05/01/23
Updated Hand Hygiene Recommendation: How It Affects SPD
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
04/28/23
A day in the life in SPD
By: Erica Smith, MBA
04/27/23
2023 Sterile Processing Technology Guide
04/26/23
Curing the Sterile Processing Department Staffing Crisis
Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC
04/20/23
Top 5 most challenging requirements for 2022
The Joint Commission
04/18/23
The Role of Evidence-Based Guidelines and Consensus Documents: What is Required?
By Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, MBA, RN, CIC
04/17/23
Infection Prevention: Making Sense of Complex IFUs
By: Katharine Hoffman, MPH, CIC, NCMA, LSSGB and Chrystia Johnson, MSHS, MLS(AMT), CIC, LSSYB
04/13/23
Prioritizing SPD Service Excellence Spurs Safety, Positive Outcomes
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
04/11/23
Maintenance and Repair Strategies for Endoscopes
By: Joe Paone
04/10/23
High Impingement Washing: A Vital Part of the Instrument Management Process
Infection Control Today
04/07/23
Powerful Ideas to Guide Ultraviolet Disinfection, Publish SPD Training Research
Author: Brian Stallard
04/06/23
Level up for Growth, Quality Outcomes
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
3/31/23
Investigation of a cluster of rapidly growing mycobacteria infections associated with joint replacement surgery in a Kentucky hospital, 2013–2014 with 8-year follow-up
American Journal of Infection Control
03/30/23
Sterilize It, Don’t Melt It: The Latest in Sterilization & Device Materials Compatibility
Author: Brian Stallard
03/28/23
From buddy to boss: Path from SPD peer to SPD leader
By: W. Zeh Wellington, DNP, RN, NE-BC and Cherie Dominguez, CSPDT
03/27/23
SPD administrative controls play key role in staff safety
03/24/23
AAMI ST108: Filters and Your Water Supply
03/23/23
Pre-empting pre-treatment in the OR not CSSD’s preference, nor industry standard
03/22/23
Improving mastery and retention of knowledge and complex skills among sterile processing professionals: A pilot study on borescope training and competency testing
American Journal of Infection Control
03/20/23
Olympus Receives FDA Warning Letter
03/14/23
Short-Term Gains or Long-Term Change?
Author: Garrett Hollembeak, Featured, Sterile Processing
03/13/23
Revised Protective Barrier Standard: Key Changes for SP Professionals
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
03/10/23
Sterility Assurance Levels and Aseptic Processing: An Introduction to Alternative SALs and Current Efforts to Promote Consistent Alternative SAL Language
Author: Trabue D.Bryans,
Byron Lambert
03/09/23
August 23, 2023 | Sterile Processing Virtual Forum
HPN
https://endeavor.swoogo.com/hpn_forum/August2023?i=zp6cMuaRcC9G3W5zpvx857rnQClAQaMa
03/08/23
Hospital’s water purification system stripped out chlorine, killing 3 patients. It was supposed to improve taste, but instead led to deadly infections.
03/07/23
Water quality and hardness: to spot, or not to spot?
03/03/23
Brushes in Brazil’ Study Highlights Key Concerns for Endoscope Sterile Processing
AAMI News
https://array.aami.org/content/news/brushes-brazil-study-highlights-key-concerns-endoscope-sterile-processing
03/2/23
How effective are the alcohol flush and drying cycles of automated endoscope reprocessors? Stripped Endoscope model
Mohamed Yassin, MD, PhD Adrian Clifford, BS,Heather Dixon, RN, MS, CIC,Curtis J. Donskey, MD, MS
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(23)00078-0/fulltext
02/21/23
Key Updates to AORN’s Revised Flexible Endoscope Processing Guideline
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
https://www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com/devices-instruments/
02/16/23
A Closer Look at High Reliability Organizations in Endoscopy
By Lisa Heard, MSN RN CGRN CPHQ CPPS
https://theinsidetract.sgna.org/Article/ArtMID/385/ArticleID/357/A-Closer-Look-at-High-Reliability-Organizations-in-Endoscopy
02/14/23
Debating Duodenoscopes: Throw Them Out? Or Put Them in the Wash?
By Caroline Helwick
02/13/23
Significant Changes to the DNV Advanced Sterile Processing Certification (ASPC) Requirements
https://67654f47-8932-468d-acd8-449e6c05fdb7.filesusr.com/ugd/17629e_a94c36cdfbe941e9870a85780aaeca27.pdf
02/10/23
Prioritize Point-of-Use Instrument Care
By: Hospital Corpsman Second Class J. L. Baleña
https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery
02/09/23
Is your department meeting current water quality standards?
By David Taylor
https://www.hpnonline.com/sterile-processing/article/21292513/is-your-department-meeting-current-water-quality-standards
02/7/23
Standard for PPE Updated for Additional Equipment Types and Safety Guidance
by OR Today Magazine
https://ortoday.com/standard-for-ppe-updated-for-additional-equipment-types-and-safety-guidance/
02/6/23
Enhanced SPD Cleaning Practices Aid Infection Control Efforts
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
02/02/23
Benefits Abound When Surgeons Are Oriented to the SPD
BY TONY THURMOND, CRCST, CIS, CHL
https://ortoday.com/benefits-abound-when-surgeons-are-oriented-to-the-spd/
01/31/23
The Department Workhorse
Author: Hank Balch, Featured, Sterile Processing, The Front Line
https://ultracleansystems.com/the-department-workhorse/
01/30/23
Mission Improcessable Economy, ecology and efficacy demand a combination of resources and contingencies for all
By Scott Tomko
https://www.hpnonline.com/infection-prevention/article/21292455/mission-improcessable
01/25/23
A•MAZE•ZING Endoscope Care
Navigating the complex cycle of endoscope sterilization
By Kara Nadeau
https://www.ormanager.com/other-requirements-for-processing-electrosurgical-instruments/
01/19/23
Other requirements for processing electrosurgical instruments
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
https://www.ormanager.com/other-requirements-for-processing-electrosurgical-instruments/
01/16/23
Changing gloves and switching instruments to decrease surgical site infection in abdominal surgery
By May F Abiad & Haytham M A Kaafarani
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01998-5/fulltext