sterile processing
By Julie E . Williamson
Poorly Managed Loaned Instruments Pose Potential Infection Risks
Loaned devices are often more complicated and sophisticated , and processing them properly and safely hinges on the availability of proper resources that include adequate time for advance staff training , proper types and amounts of equipment and supplies , ample storage space , ready access to the most devices ’ current instructions for use ( IFU ), and the need for loaned instruments to be delivered far enough in advance of the procedure to ensure thorough processing can be performed .
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Proper management of loaned instruments and trays ranks among the top challenges for many sterile processing ( SP ) professionals – and it ’ s an obstacle that ’ s only become increasingly difficult to hurdle in light of rising procedural volume ( e . g ., for orthopedic , spinal and endoscopy cases , to name a few ) that commonly up the odds for more loaned instruments making their way into the SP department ( SPD ).
Loaned devices are often more complicated and sophisticated , and processing them properly and safely hinges on the availability of proper resources that include adequate time for advance staff training , proper types and amounts of equipment and supplies , ample storage space , ready access to the most devices ’ current instructions for use ( IFU ), and the need for loaned instruments to be delivered far enough in advance of the procedure to ensure thorough processing can be performed . Unfortunately , far too many healthcare organizations and vendors aren ’ t doing their due diligence to ensure all those critical needs are consistently met . It ’ s a shortcoming that can jeopardize patient safety , increase infection risks and cost the facility dearly on numerous fronts .
“ There are no easy answers or silver bullets , but having an understanding of why things happen the way they do in the loaned instrument world is critical , along with the understanding of how we as professionals can make it better , not only for the surgeons and patients but also for our staff ,” said Damien Berg , BA , BS , CRCST , AAMIF , regional manager of sterile processing for University of Colorado Health , during his IAHCSMM Online Conference session , “ Loaned Instruments : Proper Protocols and Challenges .”
Berg , an IAHCSMM past-president ( 2018-19 ) and voting member and co-chair for documents from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation ( AAMI ), has spent more than 27 years working in the operating room ( OR ) and sterile processing department ( SPD ). Today , he oversees two large UCHealth medical centers and a surgery center , both of which regularly receive a steady stream of loaned instruments . In his many years of experience , he ’ s faced ( and improved upon ) numerous challenges related to loaned instruments and he ’ s now frequently asked by his SP peers to share his advice on how best to manage those devices .
What follows are some of his top tips :
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“ These documents can help us with managing the process and ensuring we are covering all the critical pieces , as well as helping ensure we ’ re treating loaned instruments as well as would with our own instruments ,” Berg explained , adding that it ’ s prudent that all stakeholders receive a copy of the facility ’ s / organization ’ s policy and sign off stating that they read the policy and agree to the outlined terms .
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Have dedicated SP team members on appropriate shifts who are trained on the loaned instrument policy and how to properly manage receipt / release of loaned sets . It ’ s also important that all stakeholders understand that all loaned instruments that arrive to the facility will be treated as contaminated and always undergo full reprocessing , in accordance with IFU and industry standards . No instruments will ever arrive and head directly to the OR or other user area , regardless of how they were handled or transported prior to arrival . Never rush the process . Time requirements
3 and drop-off expectations for loaned instrument must be clearly outlined in the policy and then stressed to all parties to ensure compliance . While