perspectives
perspectives
By Damien Berg
HSPA 2025 Strategic Initiatives: At Home and Beyond the Borders
HSPA publications continue to provide our members with updated and relevant content that not only serves as the foundation for HSPA certification exam preparation but also as valuable educational resources for all Sterile Processing professionals looking to advance their knowledge and stay abreast of the basics.”
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association( HSPA) has been working diligently and purposefully on its current three-year strategic plan— developed to ensure our association, profession and membership are continuously learning from the past, but more importantly, looking toward the future to support quality service and patient safety.
The three key areas we are focusing on are education, visibility and membership engagement. More details for each category follow:
Education HSPA is actively engaged in exploring new and innovative opportunities to educate and collaborate with our allied associations and professionals who process medical devices in various care environments. We remain focused on ensuring our education aligns with the latest standards, technology, research and best practices in the profession.
HSPA publications continue to provide our members with updated and relevant content that not only serves as the foundation for HSPA certification exam preparation but also as valuable educational resources for all Sterile Processing professionals looking to advance their knowledge and stay abreast of the basics. HSPA released the ninth edition Sterile Processing Technical Manual and workbook, and will soon be releasing the Instrument Resource Manual, second edition. Last year, HSPA also published the first book in the Skills Builder series,“ Instrument Care and Handling: Preventing Damage and Prolonging Instrument Life.”
Visibility
With the continued growth of the SP profession, HSPA is involved in numerous activities that promote visibility of the discipline while ensuring the association remains at forefront of key decision makers and influencers in the U. S. and across the globe.
HSPA’ s active participation in the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation( AAMI) national standards development provides a strong voice for our membership and the broader SP discipline. HSPA has vital representation on dozens of AAMI committees, including co-chairing two committees. Aside from the work within AAMI, HSPA is proud to represent the U. S. on several ISO committees; in this role, we participate globally with our international colleagues, working to harmonize global standards.
Further, HSPA’ s commitment to advocacy and government affairs is second to none. Our government affairs director and committee work diligently to educate state-elected officials and communities about the profession, and draft legislation at the
With the continued growth of the SP profession, HSPA is involved in numerous activities that promote visibility of the discipline while ensuring the association remains at forefront of key decision makers and influencers in the U. S. and across the globe.”
Finally, HSPA continues to represent the
U. S. at the World Federation of Hospital Sterilisation Sciences( WFHSS), including at the annual World Congress where thousands of Sterile Processing professionals and industry partners from dozens of countries exchange ideas, science and practices.”
state level to require SP certification and continuing education. HSPA also continues establishing a presence on Capitol Hill, with HSPA board members and essential staff traveling to Washington, D. C. to meet with various congressional staff members.
Engagement
HSPA continues reaching beyond U. S. borders with its Foundation and chapters. We continue welcoming new international chapters, providing much-needed support and education in these different underserved regions. The HSPA Foundation, HSPA’ s philanthropic arm, provides annual scholarships and funds valuable research to further continuing education and knowledge advancement for Association members and SP professionals at large. Additionally, for the past two years, the HSPA Foundation has sponsored a Mercy Ships scholarship where one approved HSPA member served as a paid volunteer as a surgical instrument processor, helping patients receive life-changing surgery in Sierra Leon and Madagascar.
Finally, HSPA continues to represent the U. S. at the World Federation of Hospital Sterilisation Sciences( WFHSS), including at the annual World Congress where thousands of Sterile Processing professionals and industry partners from dozens of countries exchange ideas, science and practices.
Damien Berg is vice president of strategic initiatives for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association( HSPA). He was recently re-elected to a second four-year term on the WFHSS Executive Committee.
6 • www. healthcarehygienemagazine. com • mar-apr 2025