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Healthcare Articles from the Press

To read past content click on the Articles, News, and the Blog links on the menu.

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11/28/23

SPD Ergonomics Planning Worth the Effort & Investment

David Taylor

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.  

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11/27/23

Double Sinks Could Become a Future Standard

By: Adam Taylor

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.”

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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.

Image by Tengyart

11/20/23

The Psychology Behind Sterility

Author: Garrett Hollembeak

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

David Taylor

 

10/23/23

Enzyme Activity vs. Temperature

Author: Jonathan Wilder, PhD

10/18/23

Patient Safety Trifecta

By Don Sadler

 

10/16/23

Why Is an Enzymatic Detergent Essential in Ultrasonics?

BlogInfection ControlSterile ProcessingUltrasonics

 

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

By Kara Nadeau

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, CERMary Ann Drosnock DHSc, MS, CIC, CFER, RM, FAPIC, AAMIFStephen M. Kovach BS, CFERThea Zitek BA

 

08/17/23

Developing Infection Prevention and Control Processes, Policies and Procedures: Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines

By Sylvia Garcia-Houchins

 

08/15/23

Joint Commission releases new guide on reprocessing medical devices

By Janette Wider

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 HuetherKristina Pirollo-KetchumDavid Taylor

 

07/25/23

Navigating case carts, kits, and trays in the surgical services setting

Kara Nadeau

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

What Is Cavitation?

Ultraclean

 

06/23/23

Shifting strategies and sites for reprocessing success

By Kara Nadeau

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

 Author: Rebecca Kinney

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?

By: Joe Paone

 

05/09/23

A “Recipe” for Proper Manual Sterile Processing

Tori Whitacre Martonicz

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

Scott Tomko

 

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

Marie Brewer

 

03/24/23

AAMI ST108: Filters and Your Water Supply

Author: Jonathan Wilder, PhD

03/23/23

Pre-empting pre-treatment in the OR not CSSD’s preference, nor industry standard

Rick Dana Barlow

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 HollembeakFeaturedSterile 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.

BETH MOLE 

 

03/07/23

Water quality and hardness: to spot, or not to spot?

Stephen M. Kovach

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

https://www.ormanagement.net/Infection-Control/Article/12-22/Debating-Duodenoscopes-Throw-Them-Out-Or-Put-Them-in-the-Wash-/68844

 

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

https://www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com/devices-instruments/?fbclid=IwAR0_1SGYuiVAX04c80MiVK6iy-5swNTu1B07riilb7k2V7FgR_kGFn6Kd3A

 

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 BalchFeaturedSterile ProcessingThe 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

 

01/04/23

Blundering surgeons leaving record number of tools inside patients 

By Telegraph Reporters

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/04/blundering-surgeons-leaving-record-number-tools-inside-patients/

 

 

01/03/23

Instrument Tray Optimization: Improve Quality & Bottom Line 

By David Taylor III

https://ortoday.com/instrument-tray-optimization-improve-quality-bottom-line/

01/02/23

Reusing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Did Not Increase Surgical Site Infection in Trauma Surgical Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Michigan Trauma Centers

American Journal of Infection Control

https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(22)00878-1/fulltext

 

 

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