The Impact of Turnover Time in the OR on Sterile Processing: Examining the Negative Consequences

Operating room (OR) turnover time, the period between one surgery ending and the next beginning, plays a critical role in hospital efficiency. While reducing turnover time can increase the number of surgeries performed, it also creates significant challenges for the sterile processing department (SPD). This post explores how pressure to shorten turnover time negatively affects sterile processing, impacting patient safety, staff workload, and overall hospital operations.

Impacts in SPD Due to Rapid Turnover Times In The OR

The pressure to reduce OR turnover time can lead to a cycle of inefficiency within the SPD. As the demand for faster processing increases, the risk of commingling and losing instrumentation.

Commingled Instruments

Commingled instruments are surgical tools that get mixed up during the turnover process of the OR suite. This typically happens when instruments from various trays are sorted at the same time, often because of the pressure to achieve fast turnover times. The effects of commingling may include:

• Instrument Damage: Instruments may be damaged or lost during the chaotic processing, leading to increased costs and delays.

• Misplaced Instruments: Instruments returned to the decontamination area in the wrong trays, leading to reduced productivity, trays being assembled with missing instruments, and material management issues.

• Delay in Surgeries: If instruments are not properly sorted and accounted for, it can lead to delays in subsequent surgeries.

  
  

Lost Instruments or Misplaced Instruments

When instruments are misplaced or fail to return to the OR, it creates several challenges:

• Increased Costs: Replacing lost instruments can be expensive for hospitals, impacting their budgets.

• Operational Delays: The need to search for or replace lost instruments can delay surgeries, negatively impacting patient care.

• Legal and Safety Concerns: In extreme cases, lost instruments can lead to legal ramifications and compromise patient safety.

  
  

Impact on Patient Safety and Hospital Operations

Inefficiencies created due to increased turnover time not only affect the immediate surgical procedures but can also have long-term implications for hospital operations, including:

• Staff Workload: Increased pressure on SPD staff can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction, affecting overall staff morale.

• Surgeon Trust: Repeated issues with instrument management can erode surgeon trust in the hospital's ability to provide safe and effective care.

• Resource Allocation: Hospitals may need to allocate more resources to manage instrument tracking and processing, diverting funds from other critical areas.

  
  

Conclusion

In summary, while reducing OR turnover time is essential for increasing surgical capacity, it is crucial to address the associated challenges that affect the Sterile Processing department. Hospitals must implement effective strategies to ensure that patient safety is prioritized and that the efficiency of the sterile processing department is maintained.