sterile processing
By Julie E . Williamson , IAHCSMM ’ s Director of Communications / Senior Editor
Sterile Processing Week is October 10-16 : It ’ s Not Too Early to Get Your IPs and C-Suite Involved
Getting other disciplines involved in Sterile Processing Week events isn ’ t just good for sterile processing ( SP ) employee morale ; it can also promote better communication , partnerships and support , long after the dedicated week off honor concludes .
While it ’ s important to invite surgical services members ( and other departments the SPD routinely serves ) to planned events , it ’ s essential to not overlook the facility ’ s infection preventionists ( IPs ) and administrators . IPs can be some of SP professionals ’ greatest sources of support , and both sides can benefit significantly from a successful long-term partnership . SP leaders who haven ’ t yet forged an effective relationship with their IP ( s ) are encouraged to make those introductions now . From there , they should include them in various Sterile Processing Week functions that might be planned throughout the dedicated week and work together to build a framework for a more productive interdisciplinary partnership .
Prior to the week ’ s official kickoff , set up a meeting with the IP ( s ) to discuss the SPD ’ s challenges , successes and goals , and then work together to help effectively address them . Is the SP team functioning with too few full-time employees ? Is the department ’ s processing equipment breaking down more frequently ? Is the SPD ’ s standards library out of date or is the SPD being pressured to rapidly turn around the same set of instruments because inventory doesn ’ t match the increasing case volume ? Has the SP team expertly managed increased service demand with exceptionally low error rates ? These are all critical points to address with the IP who can then help go to bat for the SPD — with data in hand — to the operating room , facility executives and other department heads , as needed , to help instill positive , standards-based change . This IP-SP alliance could even help expand the SPD ’ s capital budget to better meet the facility ’ s / departments ’ critical needs .
SP leaders should also ask their IPs to help honor Sterile Processing Week and the SP team by writing a brief statement about the department ’ s critical importance to patient safety and quality care , and then sharing some impressive statistics ( e . g ., low error rates , number of sets processed for the year thus far , how the department greatly reduced immediate use steam sterilization rates ; employee certification , and so on ) in the facility ’ s newsletter or in the SPD ’ s own materials created for Sterile Processing Week . SP leaders can also ask their IP ( s ) to lead a Sterile Processing Week educational session . The opportunities are endless !
Those in SP leadership positions will also serve their team ( and the facility ) well by inviting the healthcare organization ’ s
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Sterile Processing Week happens to fall during the 2021 IAHCSMM Annual Conference & Expo , and IAHCSMM is excited to celebrate attendees and the collective profession throughout that week . top-level executives to the department for quality education and a tour of all that takes place within the SPD ’ s walls . This invitation can prove valuable because some C-level executives lack a firm understanding of the importance of sterile processing and may not know the extent of SP professionals ’ contributions , successes and sacrifices ; therefore , it ’ s up to SP leaders to make them aware .
What might that look like during Sterile Processing Week ? Try reaching out directly to hospital administration , surgeons and senior leadership from all other departments that utilize the SPD ’ s services in the facility . Invite them to observe the intricate workflow processes that must be followed to promote positive quality outcomes and patient safety — and be sure to explain these steps and processes along the way . Additionally , consider sharing the future goals and objectives that the SPD is working on that align with the healthcare organization ’ s mission , vision and values .
Bear in mind that many SP professionals had to endure process changes and create standard operating procedures during the pandemic that were / are out of normal operational business routines . This has likely led to valuable stakeholder meetings , which ( hopefully ) opened doors to improved communication and interdisciplinary collaboration . It ’ s up to each SP leader to ensure those doors stay open and that the department / discipline holds a prominent seat at the table , all year long .
Note : Sterile Processing Week happens to fall during the 2021 IAHCSMM Annual Conference & Expo , and IAHCSMM is excited to celebrate attendees and the collective profession throughout that week . What better way to celebrate than with IAHCSMM and so many of your peers and fellow industry experts ? If you haven ’ t yet registered for this year ’ s Conference & Expo , don ’ t wait as standard registration rates end Sept . 24 . For more information and to register , visit :
www . iahcsmm . org / GreatExpectations .
IAHCSMM also provides useful resources to help you celebrate Sterile Processing Week in some meaningful , memorable and inspiring ways ( visit iahcsmm . org / about / sp-week . html ). IAHCSMM is currently updating its free Sterile Processing Week celebration templates ( including cards , posters and employee appreciation certificates ) that can be customized , downloaded , printed and shared . The templates will be updated and ready for downloading in September .
Julie E . Williamson is IAHCSMM ’ s director of communications / senior editor .