Live Webinar: December 19, 2024- 10:00-11:00(CST)

Join Sue Klacik and Natalie Lind as they discuss the steps each department should take to help ensure their facility is up to date on standards that impact  their work practices.

This program explores how departments can determine which standards they need, keep abreast of changes and inform/train staff.  Join us as we share some helpful tips for convincing the administration to support having current copies of documents available for every facility, ensuring that impacted departments are made aware of changes, relaying standards requirements and ensuring compliance .

On Demand Webinar: Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 

Description: Tune in monthly and join HSPA’s Certification Department to hear program updates, ask questions regarding your application requirements, and chat with department leadership. This month will focus on exam reports and reviewing the exam content outline

Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding your exam report
2. The scoring process
3. Utilizing the exam content outline
4. Accessing your report online

Live Webinar: August 22nd, 2024- 10:00-11:00(CST)

Have you ever considered pursuing HSPA Fellowship? Are you curious about the process—and the benefits? Are you wondering how to get started or concerned it will be too difficult to attain? Our panelists will answer these questions and provide valuable insights about the Fellowship process!

Panelists: 

HSPA Fellows: Delores O’Connell and Tony Thurmond

HSPA Fellowship Committee Liaison and Editor-in-Chief: Julie Williamson

Live Webinar: November 14, 2024- 10:00-11:00(CST)

In the quest for clinical excellence, the integrity and function of sterilization wrap is paramount to safeguarding patient health by ensuring the sterility of medical instruments. This webinar explores the pivotal role wrap plays in healthcare settings in reducing the risk of HAIs, a fundamental aspect in maintaining rigorous safety standards. Additionally, it addresses compliance with industry-specific standards and regulatory directives, reviewing the latest guidelines from authoritative bodies such as AAMI, AORN, CDC, ISO and the FDA. A focus is placed on achieving an optimal balance of wrap properties when selecting and using sterilization wrap. In conjunction, the assessment of total wrap cost and ongoing performance will be covered. By sharing best practices in sterilization wrap usage, this presentation aims to elevate the standards of clinical safety and efficiency.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Importance of Sterilization Wrap 

a. Explain the critical role sterilization wrap plays in maintaining the sterility of medical instruments and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). 

2. Compliance with Standards and Regulations 

a. Discuss adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements for sterilization wrap. 

b. Review the latest guidelines from recognized authorities such as AAMI, AORN, CDC, ISO and FDA. 

3. Optimal Balance: Assessing Key Features of Sterilization Wrap 

a. Learn how to assess a wrap’s balance of properties and the total cost of use when evaluating purchasing options. 

b. Discuss key performance indicators for wrap (e.g., unexpected cost increases, reprocessing rates, OR delays, patient outcomes). 

Speaker: SADE BROWN, PHD, R&D ENGINEER, OWENS & MINOR

Live Webinar: October 17, 2024- 10:00-11:00(CST)

Infection prevention requires an interdisciplinary approach and understanding of how different disciplines contribute to quality outcomes and patient safety. Jill Holdsworth, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST, CHL, and Natalie Lind, CRCST, CHL, FCS, offer valuable insights into the benefits of a symbiotic relationship between SP and Infection Prevention

Panelists:
Jill Holdsworth, Manager of Infection Prevention, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Natalie Lind, HSPA Director of Education

The HSPA Central Service Leadership Manual defines training as “the process for developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for staff members to perform required job tasks.” Why the focus on orientation and training? To improve quality, increase customer satisfaction, and promote safety and quality patient care.

This lesson is set to expire December 31st, 2028

Directions:

1. Click the "Handouts" tab to download and read the Lesson Plan
2. Click the "Contents" tab to begin the Quiz

In episode 123, host Jon Wood speaks with Dr. Leo Gordon on the topic of excessive instruments found in Sterile Processing trays. As a physician, Gordon shares his unique viewpoint regarding the large quantity of instruments found on the Operating Room back table before, during and after a surgical procedure. He discusses how surgeons have influenced this issue and can potentially help rectify such an excessive waste of time and money.

In episode 122, host Jon Wood speaks with members of the KiiP team about sterile barrier wrap, more commonly known as “blue wrap.” Karina Engels from Owens & Minor/Halyard, Amanda Benedict from AAMI, Tanya Magana of Ecolab, Jennifer Zeck from Solventum, and Sterile Processing technician Tiffany Reece discuss the importance of consistent standards for wrap. They review what to do when encountering multilayer or potentially compromised wrap and explain how KiiP works to investigate concerns and connect users, experts and manufacturers to identify solutions.

In episode 121, host Jon Wood speaks with Hannah Schroeder about one of the most important tools in Sterile Processing (SP): workstations. Schroeder discusses the primary functions, evolution and future potential of the SP workstation. She elaborates on the need for a proper workstation to support surgical device inspection, quality assurance and preparation and packaging.

In episode 120, host Jon Wood speaks with Frederick Westermeyer about his journey in rediscovering Sterile Processing (SP) after surviving a traumatic medical issue and the resulting infection that lead to an amputation. As an SP clinical educator, Westermeyer has a unique perspective surrounding his healing and adjustment to the new challenges in his life. He also elaborates on the difficulties of recapturing his spark of energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for the SP profession and how he was ultimately able to be successful.