At present , there are only two groups in the U . S . that we are aware of who are actively pursuing research in this area , with one studying the efficacy , supply , environmental impact , and usage of reusable PPE and the other developing biocidal air filters for reusable PPE .”
estimated impact on waste volumes and costs ). Conduct pilot study and product trial / evaluation , and upon conversion , position reusable alternative as primary vendor / product in purchasing information system .
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses ( AORN ), Practice Greenhealth and AAMI have suggested nine steps that will help guide procurement :
➊ Establish a multidisciplinary team or a value analysis committee . This committee should include end-users such as perioperative nurses , surgical tech , surgeons , laundry processor , finance , facility management , infection preventionists , supply chain , and environmental services . All departments who will evaluate and be impacted by the program should have representation in the development and evaluation process .
➋ Gather information from a variety of sources . Contact vendors for performance characteristics , processing and care or instructions for use ( IFU ). In-depth discussions with the laundry processor should take place to develop a clearly defined process . Members of the committee should also conduct a literature search for reusables versus disposables to understand and learn from other conversion experiences . Conducting research of local regulatory requirements is key to understanding disposal and environmental issues . And of course , speaking with colleagues in other hospitals who have implemented a reusables program will provide valuable , first-hand experience that can be used in the conversion process .
➌ Establish consistent requirements for product evaluation and establish goals specific to your facility . Use of a product specific evaluation tool is essential . It should include a baseline of total costs , line-item costs , targets for reduction of waste , safety benchmarks , efficiency measures , ease of use , compatibility with other products , financial impact analysis , laundering process , current waste disposal issues , current OR practices and OR perspective on comfort and safety .
➍ Perform a financial impact analysis . The analysis should reflect direct costs , staff time , acquisition costs , storage , inventory , reprocessing / laundering costs , disposal costs and requirements .
➎ Investigate a plan to standardize products . This plan should detail steps and communication of how your facility will phase in the new and phase out the old when converting .
➏ Conduct an environmental impact analysis - Environmentally Preferable Purchasing ( EPP ) Policies and Practices . To reduce waste , AORN , the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ), and a number of states and organizations recommend adopting environmentally preferable purchasing ( EPP ) policies and practices . Environmentally preferable means “ products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with
own work clothes , which prevents these from carrying contaminants from their workplaces to their homes , a plus for hygiene and disease prevention .
The Textile Rental Service Association ( TRSA ) held its 10th annual healthcare conference Nov . 17-18 , 2021 , attended by approximately 125 linen , uniform and facility services executives who were there to learn about the latest trends in healthcare as well as regulatory changes impacting the industry . They also reviewed developments in certification programs and networked with other executives serving the healthcare sector .
The first day of the conference kicked off with the keynote address , “ What Comes After COVID ,” presented by healthcare futurist Michael Rogers , who discussed trends in the healthcare market space as well as the impact that COVID-19 has had on the healthcare industry and how the sector will continue to grow and adapt moving forward .
Panel discussions included a presentation , “ Pandemic Panel Discussion : What We ’ ve Learned So Far ,” featuring Tor Lund , CEO of MIP Inc .; David Potack , president of Unitex ; Dan Sanchez , vice president of national accounts for Medline Industries Inc .; and Kelsey Van Miert , president of Northwest Health Care Linen . The panel was moderated by Liz Remillong , vice president at Crothall Laundry Services .
Key insights shared during this panel included ensuring a sustainable supply chain , and how the ability for reusable textile suppliers to adapt to immediate needs of the healthcare industry during the pandemic were met with success . Some of the challenges that were felt by the whole value chain were volatility , demand , and cost . First , when China closed for exports , it required sourcing from other countries , or trying to identify new sources from existing manufacturers or new partnerships that would qualify . Also , related to supply chain challenges , there were shipping and transportation issues when maritime ports were backlogged with hundreds of containers needing to move through the ports or through customs .
Other significant challenges in supply chain came from increased supply and demand from customers facing unprecedented demands that exceeded traditional forecasting , especially for items of personal protective equipment ( PPE ), such as isolation gowns . Additional challenges faced by the industry were healthcare facilities that historically purchased disposable products ; when they couldn ’ t get these products they were switching to reusable textiles entirely . Healthcare providers , value analysis professionals and purchasing personnel are rethinking a just-in-time inventory since the COVID-19 pandemic , and switching to three to four months of inventory on hand . This is where reusable textiles and contracted professional processors can create robust stocking strategies with adequate emergency supplies .
A closing panel featuring Paul Pearce , PhD , microbiologist and executive director of The Pearce Foundation for Scientific Endeavor ; John Scherberger , principal of Healthcare Risk Mitigation ; and Lynne Sehulster , PhD , a health scientist , principal of Environmental Infection Prevention LLC , and former CDC expert , tackled the topic of “ Healthcare Personnel Attire ( HPA ), Laundry & Linen Management in a Post-COVID-19 Environment .”
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • march 2022
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