sterile processing
sterile processing
By David Taylor , III , MSN , RN , CNOR
Loaned Instruments and Tray Management : Strategies for Success
Loaned instruments are any device ( instrument or implant ) not owned by the healthcare facility but are instead secured by the device manufacturer or another facility . These items are often needed for specialized procedures
( e . g ., orthopedic , spinal ) or uncommon procedures that are designed around a manufacturer ’ s implantable devices .”
Surgical programs across the country are faced with staffing shortages , increased labor costs , decreasing reimbursements and changes in payer mix . To keep pace with these challenges , many healthcare organizations are growing their Surgical Services programs — and loaned ( also known as consigned ) instruments and trays are often part of that strategy .
Loaned instruments are any device ( instrument or implant ) not owned by the healthcare facility but are instead secured by the device manufacturer or another facility . These items are often needed for specialized procedures ( e . g ., orthopedic , spinal ) or uncommon procedures that are designed around a manufacturer ’ s implantable devices . It is challenging for an organization to own all the instruments and sets needed to run their surgical programs due to costs and limited space requirements to store them . Loaned instrumentation offers healthcare organizations access to a variety of instruments and devices , without the high associated purchase costs and storage needs . Loaned items can eliminate both shortages and surpluses , while increasing overall procedural capacity .
Despite the benefits of loaned devices , managing them can be difficult . Doing so effectively requires a partnership based on mutual trust and collaboration across all parties — Sterile Processing leadership , surgeons and other operating room ( OR ) staff , and those who are loaning the devices . Managing loaned devices requires that controls be in place and policies followed consistently .
Steps to attain and manage loaned devices Loaded instruments , critical and semi-critical medical devices , implants or other devices are used by a healthcare organization under an agreed upon arrangement with the device provider . In most instances , a procedure is scheduled , the device manufacturer is called , loaned items arrive for use , and they are processed and then returned within a specific time period . For example , an organization may be preparing for a large orthopedic spinal procedure that requires numerous implants that the facility does not have in inventory . In this scenario , the company associated with the implants provides the necessary instrument sets for that specific procedure and then picks up those items following the procedure .
If an organization performs many of the procedures , the company that owns the instrument sets
It is challenging for an organization to own all the instruments and sets needed to run their surgical programs due to costs and limited space requirements to store them . Loaned instrumentation offers healthcare organizations access to a variety of instruments and devices , without the high associated purchase costs and storage needs .”
may loan them to the healthcare organization for a period , with an agreed upon understanding . Loaned items stay within that facility and do not leave until the time determined in the agreement . Note : When items are loaned , they cannot be removed ( by the vendor representative or their designee ) from the healthcare organization without permission .
The process of scheduling a surgical procedure begins with surgeons or their designee ( usually office staff ). At this point , the loaned instrument process begins . The surgeon ’ s office contacts the vendor of choice to confirm the availability of the loaned devices or trays . The surgeon ’ s office then schedules the procedure with the OR .
OR ’ s role and responsibilities
The OR , especially the service coordinators , plays an important part in the management of loaned instruments . They should be actively involved with the sterile processing department ( SPD ) to ensure that the devices arrive in time ( at least 24 hours before the procedure , but preferably 48 hours or longer ) to ensure adequate time to process and prepare them for the patient use . As surgical procedures become more complex , more organizations require loaned instruments to arrive 72 hours prior to the procedure . A time clock that can stamp the date and time should be used to validate the arrival and departure of items .
It is vital that facility policy includes the need for manufacturers of loaned devices provide current instructions for use ( IFU ) so SP technicians understand how to process and handle them . The SP team
24 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • september 2024