Balancing Quality and Quantity in Sterile Processing
In the world of sterile processing (SP) or medical device reprocessing, the question of "quality versus quantity" arises frequently. It's a challenging dilemma for staff who work tirelessly to prepare instrument sets correctly, following detailed instructions to ensure every piece is functional and accounted for. But who oversees this entire process and manages inventory effectively?
The Role of SPD Technicians
Is it fair to blame SPD technicians if a tray is returned missing items or contains damaged instruments due to regular wear and tear? Are they responsible for ordering new instruments when a new surgeon joins and requires the same sets already shared by others? Should they collect bandage scissors from operating room (OR) nurses daily to ensure they return to the backup inventory? Is it their duty to magically stretch three trays to support ten cases in a single day?
These are legitimate questions faced by frontline SP professionals. The pressure to cut corners or fast-track processes for certain items can compromise patient care. After all, is the seventh surgery of the day less important than the first?
Understanding Priority and Turnover
During a recent educational review, I encountered a facility with a significant portion of space dedicated to "priority" sets. I questioned how they defined a priority tray. The response was simple: "whatever is needed again." This illustrates the importance of a well-constructed needs list, guiding staff on which items to prioritize when resources are limited.
Key Definitions
1. Priority Set
An instrument, set, tray, or medical device that requires complete reprocessing for the next
procedure or patient case.
Regularly used medical sets or items requested frequently.
2. Turnover, Rapid Turnover, Quick Turn, HOT Set
An item that requires reprocessing to be used on the same surgical schedule day, often within a few hours.
3. One of a Kind, Specialty Set
Unique instruments or sets used for specific cases that may require immediate
reprocessing to ensure availability.
Tips for Effective Inventory and Turnover Management
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
Sterile processing departments are production hubs, constantly preparing items for patient use.
However, it's crucial to empower technicians and departments to prioritize quality over speed.
Rework due to defects only delays processes further. Facilities must evaluate their inventory
management practices to ensure they have sufficient instrumentation to meet current and future
demands.
By addressing these challenges, we can create a more efficient, effective, and patient-focused
sterile processing environment.
1. Accurate Surgical Scheduling: Request future growth numbers, trends, and data to ensure the
schedule aligns with inventory capacity.
2. Utilize Tracking Software: Monitor priority and turnover sets, calculate future needs, and
request purchases accordingly.
3. Collaborate with Surgeons: Ensure inventory aligns with surgical needs, and eliminate unused
instruments from trays.
4. Calculate Costs: Plan for future inventory purchases by understanding the financial implications.
5. Understand Turnover Times: Educate OR personnel about processing times to improve surgical
scheduling.
6. Communicate Challenges: Work with surgeons and charge nurses to address inventory issues and
schedule patients appropriately.
7. Verify Instructions for Use (IFUs): Ensure staff are not taking shortcuts in processing times.
8. Manage Priority Sections: Keep priority sections manageable to avoid confusion about true
priorities.
9. Educate OR Personnel: Properly label rapid turnover items and ensure only essential items are
marked as such.
-Scan Trays: Track requests and usage to update preference cards and assess true
needs.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
Sterile processing departments are production hubs, constantly preparing items for patient use. However, it's crucial to empower technicians and departments to prioritize quality over speed. Rework due to defects only delays processes further. Facilities must evaluate their inventory management practices to ensure they have suffi cient instrumentation to meet current and future demands.
By addressing these challenges, we can create a more effi cient, eff ective, and patient-focused sterile processing environment.
Author: Randalyn Harreld, Clinical Education Manager Belimed