patient safety & quality
patient safety & quality
By Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum , BA , AA , CHL , CRCST
The Relationship Between Vendors and Sterile Processing in Healthcare : Improving Patient Safety and Operational Effectiveness
In the healthcare sector , collaboration among industry stakeholders is not just important , it ’ s a joint duty that guarantees patient safety and efficient service delivery . The connection between vendors and sterile processing is a crucial partnership that exemplifies this shared responsibility . This collaboration , where both sides play equally important roles , is vital for upholding top-tier patient-care standards , emphasizing its immense significance .
Supplier Collaboration : A Fundamental Element of Sterile Processing
Suppliers , as components of the healthcare supply chain , are vital in safeguarding patient safety . Their responsibility starts with adhering to hospital drop-off schedules , part of policy compliance . Timely deliveries aren ’ t about convenience ; they enable sterile processing departments ( SPDs ) to process and sterilize instruments effectively , directly contributing to patient safety .
Ensuring Supervision and Adherence SPDs need to oversee supplier activities to prevent the circulation of unsterilized items . To ensure tracing and responsibility , mechanisms must be established for scanning all trays and connecting them to the patient and room . Supplier trays should include weight , inventory , Instructions for Use ( IFU ), date surgeon information , and specific instructions . Maintaining this level of detail is crucial for SPDs to reprocess trays , especially when 48- and 72-hour lead times are needed for proper sterilization .
Responsibility Shared , Handling Trays
The removal of trays post-surgery is significant . This practice helps reduce clutter , prevent the loss of vendor instruments , organize storage areas efficiently , and facilitate the turnover of surgical instruments . It resonates with the SPD ’ s objective of providing sterilized equipment for procedures .
Accountability When Inventory Goes Missing
Identifying the responsible party can be time-consuming when vendor inventory goes missing . Typically , vendors are accountable for their inventory until it is officially handed over to the healthcare facility . This underscores the significance of communication and meticulous record-keeping at both ends . Implementing a policy concerning lost inventory is essential . Those visiting the facility should review , acknowledge , and follow these policies . Some facilities may enforce a deadline , such as a 24-hour notice post-surgery , to report missing instruments . Operating room staff should collaborate with vendors to ensure all used instruments , whether owned or borrowed , are returned to their packaging . The healthcare facility also bears a responsibility .
Fostering a Supportive Partnership
The partnership between vendors and healthcare facilities is not just a duty , but a mutually beneficial collaboration . By working together , they can enhance patient safety and operational efficiency , leading to improved healthcare outcomes .
This underscores the importance of each stakeholder ’ s role and the significant impact they can collectively make . Vendors are encouraged to support their customers by adhering to guidelines and delivering top-notch products , while healthcare facilities should back vendor efforts by giving guidance and timely responses .
Hospital Storage Facilities Compliance for Regulatory Requirements
It is essential to ensure that vendors ’ storage spaces within a hospital adhere to standards to maintain the safety and effectiveness of stored sterile supplies . The regulatory guidelines for storage facilities include the following ASHRAE :
• Air circulation , with at least two outdoor air exchanges per hour and at least four air exchanges per hour .
• Temperature control : maintaining temperatures between
72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit ( 22 to 26 degrees Celsius ).
• Humidity levels : keeping humidity below 60 percent .
• Air pressure regulation : monitoring air pressure compared to neighboring areas to prevent external contamination .
Supervision of Vendor Storage Areas for Optimal Conditions
The SPD / operating room / engineering team oversees vendor storage spaces , ensuring that these areas uphold the required temperature and humidity levels to protect the integrity of stored instruments and implants . Often , implants are stored in unmonitored rooms , adversely affecting sterile implants kept in bins or on the floor . This oversight is crucial in preventing equipment degradation and maintaining compliance with health regulations . Establishing a policy supported by healthcare administration , surgeons , perioperative governance , and guidance counsel is vital for ensuring adherence to these standards .
Maintaining a Balance Between Personal and Professional Boundaries
Vendors need to recognize that hospital storage areas are only considered vendor spaces when they are officially designated . These spaces , funded by the healthcare system , are specifically reserved for storing and protecting supplies and equipment .
Improving Communication Between Vendors and SPDs
Enhancing communication between vendors and SPDs isn ’ t just a tactic ; it ’ s a valuable tool for efficiency and patient safety . By setting clear expectations , maintaining regular contact , and being transparent , both vendors and SPDs can feel empowered and in control of the process , leading to more effective collaboration . Adherence to regulatory standards further instills confidence and security in the process . Here are some key take-aways :
➊ Setting expectations with vendors from the start .
➋ Keeping up communication with vendors using various methods .
november 2024 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com •
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