The risk assessment portion of our research and training was key to a larger Plan , Do , Check , Act ( PDCA ) process and fosters powerful change through thoughtful , detail-driven analysis and communication .” — Damien Berg , BA , BS , CRCST , AAMIF
The entire group was excited about their new skills and couldn ’ t wait to take them back to their home facilities and turn them into real-world sterile processing practices .”
— Andrew Ghens , CRCST , CIS
changes through our sterile processing team ,” Ghens says . “ We purchased better lighted magnification tools for our endoscope inspections . We also got a mobile inspection cart with a borescope that we can use for all types of lumened instruments . Being able to show the team the different kinds of defects that were taught to me in the study really helped the whole team become more knowledgeable . We have been able to identify more defects in our scopes and instruments , allowing us to get them repaired or reprocessed when needed to provide better patient outcomes .”
Ofstead says she is pleased with the results of the study and adds that , “ Building technicians ’ ability to perform detailed visual inspections and engage in risk assessment is critically important because fragile medical instruments commonly sustain damage during use , and they perform a key role in identifying damaged instruments and removing them from service before they are used in procedures that may harm patients or other healthcare providers . In addition , we now know that complex instruments — especially those with lumens — frequently retain soil and debris even when technicians follow the steps recommended in the manufacturer IFU . The visual inspection step is essential to ensure that the instruments are clean — inside and out — before attempting high-level disinfection or sterilization . Educational programs like this innovative training model developed in collaboration with HSPA help build knowledge , skills , and confidence to support technicians in performing these critical roles .”
This novel training model could potentially change how SPDs view competency training .
“ Through the HSPA-Ofstead training study , we are providing the foundation for how we should initially train as well as how the follow-up training and competencies should be performed ,” Berg says . “ The complexity of the skill and the confidence level of the sterile processing professional will help guide the training and competency timelines ( the study findings will help sterile processing professionals work through this ).”
Berg continues , “ It is important to note that the goal of the new training program is not to consume more time in already resource-strapped sterile processing departments . We understand that many facilities already struggle with staffing and other resources to keep up with workload , so our emphasis is on providing the very best training program that will lead to fewer errors and rework , deeper knowledge across vital processes and practices , and increased employee and customer satisfaction . Continuing education and the adoption of innovative training programs like ours will help sterile processing professionals stay more focused on the tasks that matter most , while spending less time addressing mistakes . When quality and safety are prioritized and best practices are emphasized through effective training , sterile processing employees , their customers and their patients all win .”
As next steps , the researchers plan to retest the trainees six to nine months after the original workshop to provide insights about intervals for training and competency testing . As Ofstead , et al . ( 2023 ) explain , “ This testing for durability of knowledge and skills will be critical to determine whether annual training and competency testing is sufficient or if more frequent boosters and testing are beneficial .” Additionally , HSPA says it hopes to expand the visual inspection program to more trainees and then expand the model to other topics , perhaps using a “ training of trainers ” ( TOT ) model .
In the meantime , the researchers say , “ Infection preventionists , sterile processing managers , and clinical educators should consider using frequent tests as a learning tool rather than merely an annual metric . They should ensure that training programs on critical skills including and beyond sterile processing include interaction with trainees , demonstrations , hands-on practice , and opportunities to use new skills . These training events should be bookended by testing to increase awareness and cement learnings .”
References :
Day LW , Muthusamy VR Collins J , et al . Multi-society guideline on reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes and accessories . Gastrointest Endosc . 93 ( e16 ): 11-33 . 2021 .
Hervé R and Keevil CW . Current limitations about the cleaning of luminal endoscopes . J Hosp Infect . Vol . 83 , issue 1 . Pages 22-29 . January 2013 . https :// doi . org / 10.1016 / j . jhin . 2012.08.008
Ofstead CL , Smart AG , Hopkins KM , Lamb LA , Daniels FE , and Berg DS . Improving mastery and retention of knowledge and complex skills among sterile processing professionals : A pilot study on borescope training and competency testing . Am J Infect Control . Vol . 51 , issue 6 , Pp . 624-632 , June 2023 . https :// www . ajicjournal . org / article / S0196-6553 ( 23 ) 00101-3 / fulltext
Ofstead CL , Smart AG , Hopkins KM and Wetzler HP . The utility of lighted magnification and borescopes for visual inspection of flexible endoscopes . Am J Infect Control . 51 : 2-10 . 2023 .
Ofstead CL , Hopkins KM and Eiland JE . Borescope inspection of endoscope working channels : why and how ? Endosc Int Open . 10 : E109-e111 . 2022 .
Ofstead CL and Hopkins KM . Sterilization central : the value of borescopes in detecting damage , soil , fluid , and foreign objects in flexible endoscopes . Biomed Instrum Technol . 54:146-152 . 2020 .
18 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • april 2024