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Healthcare Articles from the Press
To read past content click on the Articles, News, and the Blog links on the menu.
11/19/24
Smart Handling of Scopes Saves Time and Money While Safeguarding Care
Kara Nadeau
While essential for patient care, endoscopes tend to get a bad rap when it comes to reprocessing and maintenance. Their complexity is a double-edged sword: facilitating advanced procedures, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, but necessitating a multitude of steps to effectively and safely reprocess.
11/14/24
Time is money: The impact of case duration inaccuracies on surgical departments
IMO Health
On the surgical floor, there’s usually little tolerance for wasted time. But when cases go longer than planned for medical reasons – like an interoperative complication or an unexpected emergent patient – most clinicians understand.
However, when planned case times are incorrect because of administrative issues — like scheduling errors or inaccuracies — patience can easily wear thin. Furthermore, when assessed collectively, these delays can have significant negative repercussions on a health system’s bottom line.
11/08/24
Standardizing Packaging for All Kinds of Sterile Device Transportation
by OR Today Magazine | AAMI
What is Working Group 40 currently working on?
Our main focus is TIR 109, which deals with the external transportation of healthcare-processed items. This technical information report will address the transport of both sterile and contaminated items over public roadways, which are an uncontrolled environment. We’re exploring the challenges these items face when exposed to external environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and vibrations during transport, which is different from the controlled hospital environment.
11/07/24
How Cleaning Medical Equipment Directly Affects Patient Safety and Equipment Longevity
By Jinesh Patel, MBA, MS
Fluorescent light can be used to highlight bacteria that hides in wounds, causing infections and slowing down the healing process, a new evidence review says.
A handheld fluorescent device can light up bacteria in 9 out of 10 wounds that traditional clinical treatment would overlook, according to a study in the journal Advances in Wound Care.
11/06/24
AORN Updating Guideline for Sterilization
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) anticipates a fall release for its revised Guideline for Sterilization for electronic subscribers; the print version will be available in 2025. This guideline provides recommendation for sterilizing reusable medical devices for use in perioperative and procedural settings.
10/26/24
Clean the Chamber Drain Strainer to Aid Autoclave Performance
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
10/22/24
Quiz: Are your instruments actually sterile?
Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC
10/16/24
New fluorescent light technology detects hidden bacteria in wounds
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
10/10/24
How SPDs and ORs Can Manage Missing Instruments
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
10/08/24
Instrument Containment, Transport and Storage Success Stories
And product solutions designed for efficacy, safety and efficiency
By Kara Nadeau
9/26/24
Every-Load Monitoring in Low-Temperature Sterilization: A Solution to Device Complexity and Failure RisksBy Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
9/24/24
Addressing Sterile Processing Instrument Errors With Advanced Technology and Data Insights
By Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
9/19/24
Library of Standards, Guidelines for SPDs: Do You Have These Essential Ones?
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
9/18/24
Reduce Risk of SSIs from Surgical Attire, Stethoscopes & Personal Items
By: Periop Today
09/12/24
The Patient Safety Partnership: OR, SP & IP
By Don Sadler
8/21/24
When Should Safety Showers & Emergency Eyewashes Be Used?
Alexandra Schirn
8/15/24
New Consensus on the Sterilization of Single-Use Systems for Manufacturing
AAMI
8/13/24
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Resumes Surgeries
By Janette Wider
8/08/24
Artificial Intelligence Aims to Standardize Endoscopy Inspection
By Chase Doyle
08/06/24
Internal Damage and the SPD
Author: Garrett Hollembeak
8/01/24
New Guidance for Processing and Handling of Probes, Dilators and Accessories
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, FCS, CHL, CIS, AAMIf
7/30/24
Quarterly Check-ins Give SP Leadership a Boost
David Taylor
7/24/24
Study Explores Borescope Inspections of Surgical Instrument Lumens
by OR Today Magazine
7/18/24
Bioburden Bible: Identifying and Reprocessing Human Bioburden in Instrument Reprocessing
Pure Processing
07/11/24
Progressive Discipline in the SPD: When & Why?
David Taylor,Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum
7/09/24
Education & Training: The Case for Sterile Processing Certification
By: Casey Czarnowski, BA, CRCST, CSPDT, CIS, CER
7/02/24
Staffing: Overcome Budget Challenges
By: Raghu Reddy, MBA
06/27/24
10 Key Considerations in Instrument Reprocessing Site Selection
Kara Nadeau
6/26/24
Internal Damage and the SPD
Author: Garrett Hollembeak
06/20/24
Microbicidal Maintenance: What Is It? Why Use It?
By Shigeharu Yamauchi and Todd Mikowski, Nichia Corporation
6/19/24
Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer Standard Updated to Reflect Technological Changes
Author: Dan Visnovsky
6/13/24
Common inspection points for surgical instrumentation
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
6/11/24
New Guidance on Dilator and Ultrasound Processing for Health Care Facilities of Any Size
by OR Today Magazine
6/06/24
AAMI and AORN Guidance Document Updates Affect SPDs
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
06/05/24
Proposed Revisions to the Infection Prevention and Control (IC) Chapter Requirements for the Ambulatory Health Care (AHC) Program Field Review
The Joint Commission
6/04/24
Sterile Processing Leaders: Are You Keeping Track of IFU and Manufacturer Updates?
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
5/29/24
Top 5 most challenging requirements for 2023
The Joint Commission
05/28/24
Ensuring Employee Safety and Health in Healthcare Sterile Processing: Best Practices
Zhan You Li
5/23/24
APIC New Report Calls for Action: Simplifying Medical Device Instructions for Use
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
05/21/24
Target 7: Report finds Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital ‘failed’ standard of patient care due to stained surgical instruments. What changes have been made?By Isabella Ledonne
5/16/24
Four Takeaways on Sterile Processing (and more) From a Military Surgical Tech
By: Matthew Nojiri
5/14/24
Reclaim Your Time and Recharge: The Power of Boundaries
Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC
05/09/24
FDA Announces Guidance on Medical Device Remanufacturing and Servicing
Infection Control Today® Editorial Staff
5/07/24
Enhancing Medical Education: The Journey of Colors Method in Sterilization Center Training
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
05/02/24
Map SPD Workflow to Increase Efficiencies, Eliminate Wasted Steps
BY TONY THURMOND, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
4/30/24
Preventing Surgical Site Infection in the OR: A Comprehensive Approach to Point-of-Use Instrument Care
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
4/23/24
Point-Counterpoint: Offsite vs. In-House Sterile Processing
By: Adam Taylor
04/18/24
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
4/17/24
Study Shows Majority of Surgical Site Infections Stem From Bacteria Acquired Before Patient Enters Hospital
Matt MacKenzie
04/11/24
Run SPD Like an Efficient, Effective Business
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR and Robert Leenan, BS, CRCST, CIS, CCSVP
4/09/24
How to Successfully Plan for Space, Equipment, Staff, and Workflows in Sterile Processing Departments
John Kimsey
4/04/24
AORN Updates Team Communication and Environment of Care Guidelines: Their Impact on SPD
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS, HSPA Clinical Educator
03/26/24
10 Urgent Patient Safety Challenges in 2024
Ashleigh Hollowell (Twitter)
3/21/24
Why OR leaders should revisit sterile processing basics
By: Uyen Vo, BSN, MBA
03/18/24
Reasons Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Essential for Hospitals
Ultra Clean Systems, Inc
3/13/24
Preventing High-Risk Exposures in Sterile Processing
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
3/10/24
Safe SP Practices Rely on Staff Doing Right Thing
By Julie E. Williamson
03/06/23
Fluid retention in endoscopes: A real-world study on drying effectiveness
By Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
02/20/24
The Sterile Processing Department Digital Transformation
Kara Nadeau
02/19/24
The Cost Savings of Managing Your Instrument Trays Like Toyota
By: Casey Czarnowski, BA, CRCST, CSPDT, CIS, CER
02/14/24
Common Problems in Reprocessing: A First-hand Perspective to Address Challenges
By Hannah Schroeder, BSHA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, Clinical Education Specialist at Pure Processing
2/13/24
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
02/07/23
Measuring SPD Productivity Vital to Safety, Quality
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS, FCS
01/31/24
Navigating AAMI ST91: Enhancing Patient Safety in Endoscope Processing
John Kimsey
01/30/24
Here’s What Sterile Processing Professionals Have on their Manufacturer IFU Wish Lists
Kara Nadeau
1/18/24
Do Not Use Synovo Total Hip Resurfacing System: FDA Safety Communication
01/03/24
SPDs: Stay Ready for Accreditation Surveys
By Monique L. Jelks, BA, MSOL, CRCST
12/19/23
Overkilling Uncertainty, New TIR Seeks Clarity for Interpreting Bioburden Data
By AAMI
2/14/23
Endoscope Reprocessing Challenges
By Don Sadler
12/11/23
Instrument Maintenance: Inspected, Tested and Repaired
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
12/05/23
URGENT: MEDICAL DEVICE REMOVALName: Soltive SuperPulsed Laser System – Fiber Strippers and Cleavers
11/28/23
SPD Ergonomics Planning Worth the Effort & Investment
By: David Taylor
11/27/23
Double Sinks Could Become a Future Standard
By: Adam Taylor
11/21/23
Preserving Package Integrity and Device Sterility: Essential Components of Patient Safety
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
11/20/23
The Psychology Behind Sterility
11/13/23
Sterile Processing Leaders, Do You Know How ST108 Affects Device Processing?
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
11/12/23
Don’t Sweat Your Next SPD Survey
10/23/23
Enzyme Activity vs. Temperature
10/18/23
Patient Safety Trifecta
By Don Sadler
10/16/23
Why Is an Enzymatic Detergent Essential in Ultrasonics?
Blog, Infection Control, Sterile Processing, Ultrasonics
10/11/23
KPIs Spur Powerful Sterile Processing Department Improvement
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR, and Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, AA, CRCST, CHL
10/03/23
How AORN’s Updated Design & Maintenance Guideline Affects SPDs
By Sue Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS, Clinical Educator, HSPA
09/28/23
The changing landscape of sterile processing storage and containment
Kara Nadeau
09/27/23
Verify Your Cleaning Methods! Insights from an AAMI Summit
By Brian Stallard
09/21/23
Keys to Successful High-Level Disinfection And Sterilization Processes
Heidi Reuss-Lamky
LVT, VTS
09/14/23
Cleanliness Assurance Requires Interdepartmental CollaborationCommunication between SPD and EVS staff can eliminate critical gaps.
By: Outpatient Surgery Editors
09/10/23
Establishing & and Maintaining a Great Culture in Sterile Processing
Pure Processing - The Reprocessing Report
09/06/23
Managing Loose Devices to Reduce Workload, Increase Throughput
By David Taylor, MSN, RN, CNOR; Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, AA, CRCST, CHL; and Albert Huether, MBA, CRCST
08/29/23
Journey of an Instrument
Ultra Clean Systems
08/27/23
Best Practices Beat Fast Processes Every Time
Manual Versus Automated Device Instrument Cleaning
8/23/23
Loaned Device Management is Crucial for Patient Safety
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
08/21/23
Performance Qualification Testing Improves Processing of Lumened Surgical Instruments in Ultrasonic Cleaners
Kevin Anderson MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, Mary Ann Drosnock DHSc, MS, CIC, CFER, RM, FAPIC, AAMIF, Stephen M. Kovach BS, CFER, Thea Zitek BA
08/17/23
Developing Infection Prevention and Control Processes, Policies and Procedures: Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines
08/15/23
Joint Commission releases new guide on reprocessing medical devices
08/07/23
Keeping it sterile: Fundamentals of sterile storage
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
08/06/23
Pinpointing, Resolving Problems: Setting Up SP Technicians for Success
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
08/02/23
SPD and OR Leaders: Don’t Muddle the Huddle
Albert Huether, Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, David Taylor
07/25/23
Navigating case carts, kits, and trays in the surgical services setting
07/18/23
Department Scorecards and Metrics: How to Build Meaningful Scorecards
Pure Processing
07/11/23
Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing
Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC
Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., CIC, FAPIC
07/10/23
Duodenoscopes With Disposable Caps Have Less Microbial Contamination
ENDOPRO Mag
07/06/23
Sterile Processing Beyond the Operating Room
By Jill E. Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST
07/04/23
A Road Map to Off-Site Sterilization
Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT
07/03/23
TJC Names Top 5 2022 Infection Prevention Challenges; 3 Impact SPD
By Susan Klacik
06/29/23
Ultraclean
06/23/23
Shifting strategies and sites for reprocessing success
06/22/23
Still time to comment on proposed new IC requirements for hospitals, critical access hospitals
The Joint Commission
06/20/23
Creating a Top-Performing Sterile Processing Department
By: Jared Bilski
06/19/23
Gentle cleansers kill viruses as effectively as harsh soaps, study finds
HPN
06/15/23
Protecting Every Somebody’s Somebody: The Passion of a SPD
Author: Brian Stallard
06/13/23
Questions to Think About When Addressing Understaffing in Your Scope Processing Area
Authors: Garland-RheaGrisby &
Petra M.Richards
06/12/23
The Essentials: The Foundation of Top-Quality Instrument Care
By: Jared Bilski
06/09/23
Defining Precleaning Workflows Improves Safety, Saves Time
OR Management News
06/08/23
Duodenoscopes With Disposable Caps Have Less Microbial Contamination
Endo Pro Mag
06/05/23
Focused Networking Opens Doors for Sterile Processing Success
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS
06/02/23
The Future-Thinking Sterile Processing Professional
06/01/23
Travel Advisory: Traveling Techs Changing Face of SPD
By: David Taylor
05/30/23
Human vs. Machine: Which Ensures Devices Are Clean?
By: James Schneiter
05/26/23
A Road Map to Off-Site Sterilization
Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT
05/25/23
The ups and downs of SPD from 2022 to 2023
2023 SPD Salary Survey
HPN
5/18/23
The Power of Tray Rationalization
Right-size your instrument rotation to reduce waste, lighten staff’s load and save money.
By Outpatient Surgery Editors
05/16/23
HROs and Just Culture: Core Concepts for SPD Quality
By Marie Brewer, CST, CRCT, CIS, CHL, CER, GTS, CLSSBB
5/15/23
How Clean Are Your Surgical Instruments?
05/09/23
A “Recipe” for Proper Manual Sterile Processing
05/02/23
Holes or no holes in my mats
Stephen M. Kovach
05/01/23
Updated Hand Hygiene Recommendation: How It Affects SPD
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
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