Live Webinar: Thursday, October 9th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST)

Effective communication between sterile processing departments (SPD) and other healthcare teams is essential for ensuring patient safety, surgical efficiency, and overall quality of care. This session explores the critical role of interdepartmental collaboration, highlighting common communication challenges and practical strategies to overcome them. Participants will gain insights into the workflows of SPD and clinical teams and learn tools for improving information exchange. Whether you're in SPD, nursing, surgery, or administration, this session will equip you with actionable techniques to strengthen teamwork and enhance outcomes across your organization.

Learning objectives

1.Identify common communication barriers between sterile processing departments (SPD) and other healthcare teams, and describe their impact on patient safety and workflow efficiency.

2.Explain the roles and responsibilities of sterile processing professionals and how they intersect with surgical, nursing, and clinical teams.

3.Demonstrate effective communication strategies that foster collaboration and mutual understanding across interdisciplinary teams.

4.Apply tools and techniques (e.g., standardized handoff protocols, checklists, and digital communication platforms) to improve information exchange and reduce errors.

Guest: 

Torres Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline

Eligible for 1 CE 

Live Webinar: Thursday, September 25th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST)

This program provides essential knowledge on surgical instrument cleaning and decontamination, covering standard processes and detergent types, ideal cleaning agent characteristics, and the role of water quality. Participants will learn how following industry standards for cleaning and proper detergent selection supports effective reprocessing and helps reduce patient risk of (HAIs), ultimately improving patient outcomes.  

Learning objectives

-Know decontamination and cleaning requirements
-Understand the different types of detergents available for instrument processing
-Review the ideal characteristics of cleaning agents   
-Assess the importance of water in the cleaning process
-Learn how the selection of the right detergent can improve patient outcome by reducing Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Guest: 

Dewey Barker is the Clinical Manger/Educator at Case Medical, Inc. He worked in the roles of O.R. Nurse, O.R. Manager, Sterile Processing Manager and O.R. Purchasing Manager for over 25 years. Mr. Barker holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Mississippi State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, an RN license in the state of Florida, a CRCST certification and is a Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS). He has edited two IAHCSMM/HSPA publications and authored SPD related articles in several healthcare publications. He travels extensively, assessing Sterile Processing Departments and giving in-services and lectures at numerous healthcare facilities, HSPA chapter meetings, and conferences.

Eligible for 1 CE 

On Demand Webinar: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

Tune in monthly and join HSPA’s Certification Department to hear program updates, ask questions regarding your application requirements, and chat with department leadership. During this month’s Town Hall, we’re thrilled to welcome special guests Melissa and Loraine, who will be discussing their valuable involvement with the Certification Council and as Subject Matter Experts. Attendees will gain insight into what it means to serve on the Certification Council, as well as how SMEs contribute to the development and maintenance of certification exams. This is a great opportunity to demystify the application process and discover how you can contribute to HSPA’s certification programs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the roles and responsibilities of Certification Council members and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

2. Learn about the personal and professional benefits of getting involved

3. Be prepared to apply for the Call for Interest

No CE is offered for this webinar

Hand hygiene is a critical part of our infection prevention toolkit. Its importance has been highlighted in recent years as healthcare workers face superbug outbreaks and new pandemics. This webinar uses real-world examples of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and self-contamination by healthcare workers to make the case for performing hand hygiene properly every time. The speaker will explain the basics of HAIs and describe guidelines for hand hygiene from WHO, CDC, and professional organizations. Participants will be guided through the steps involved in proper hand washing and hand sanitizing. This brief webinar is a good introduction to hand hygiene for new employees and refresher for those receiving annual training and competency testing. 

Objectives

• Describe how hand hygiene contributes to infection prevention in healthcare settings
• Explain the role of hand hygiene when taking off PPE
• Discuss the two primary methods of hand hygiene recommended for healthcare personnel 

Instructor

Krystina M. Hopkins, MPH

Krystina Hopkins was a research manager with Ofstead & Associates, Inc. before moving on to a
frontline quality management position at a local hospital. She has an MPH in environmental health,
specializing in infectious disease. Her research has been published in AJIC, ICHE, Endoscopy International
Open, Journal of Wound Care, Urology, AORN Journal, BI&T, and HSPA’s PROCESS
magazine. Ms. Hopkins has over 15 years of hands-on health and healthcare-related research
experience in diverse in-patient, outpatient, and academic settings. Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, she
supported clinical trials in environmental health, health economics, and community-based research as a
research project manager at Medica Research Institute. Ms. Hopkins was also involved with projects
related to molecular and microbiology, epidemiology, infectious disease, and occupational health in
various roles at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health

Have you ever wondered why you are supposed to do things like brush scopes under water during manual cleaning or keep clean and dirty workflows separate? Hospital personnel come in contact with patient bodily fluids and other contamination during medical procedures, and the same is true for reprocessing personnel who handle the medical devices and instruments used in those procedures. In this webinar, two researchers will explain guideline and IFU recommendations for minimizing splash and reducing contamination and exposure in the decontam area. Participants will learn about different tools used in testing for moisture, and the researchers will describe findings from a recent pilot project that explored which reprocessing activities generate splash and where droplets land on surfaces and PPE. Participants will receive strategies for assessing splash and using the hierarchy of controls to manage splash risk and reduce personnel exposure in their departments

Objectives

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
• Discuss the risk of personnel exposure to splash generated during medical procedures and sterile processing
• Describe guidelines and manufacturer instructions on dirty-to-clean workflow and splash reduction
• Explain findings of real-world experiments done to assess droplet dispersal during reprocessing
• List several strategies for assessing and managing splash risk and personnel exposure

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Krystina M. Hopkins, MPH
Krystina Hopkins was a research manager with Ofstead & Associates, Inc. before moving on to a
frontline quality management position at a local hospital. She has an MPH in environmental health,
specializing in infectious disease. Her research has been published in AJIC, ICHE, Endoscopy International
Open, Journal of Wound Care, Urology, AORN Journal, BI&T, and HSPA’s PROCESS
magazine. Ms. Hopkins has over 15 years of hands-on health and healthcare-related research
experience in diverse in-patient, outpatient, and academic settings. Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, she
supported clinical trials in environmental health, health economics, and community-based research as a
research project manager at Medica Research Institute. Ms. Hopkins was also involved with projects
related to molecular and microbiology, epidemiology, infectious disease, and occupational health in
various roles at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Sterile processing departments are home to highly technical and complex processes and equipment, all of which are critical for patient safety and infection control. In this webinar, we take you on a tour of two sterile processing departments, highlighting the workflow and key equipment, supplies, quality assurance tools, and PPE used in each specialized area. Participants will receive a broad overview of sterile processing procedures and learn strategies for collaborating with department personnel to improve practices and protect both patients and personnel. 

Objectives

• Explain the department layout, dirty-to-clean workflow, and activities happening in various areas within a sterile processing department
• Describe feature of washer-disinfectors, automated endoscope reprocessors, and sterilization systems (liquid chemical, low-temperature gas, and steam)
• Discuss hazards and the role of PPE in reducing risk for sterile processing workers
• Identify key guidelines and standards that govern processing activities and quality assurance
• List three strategies for enhancing a collaborative relationship between infection prevention and sterile processing

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Abby G. Smart, MPH 
Senior Research Associate, Ofstead & Associates, Inc. 
Abby Smart, MPH joined the Ofstead & Associates team in 2019, where she participates in real-world studies and conducts surveillance of peer‐reviewed evidence and government reports. She has developed CE courses and YouTube videos on infection control topics. Her recent work focuses on surgical instrument, flexible endoscope, and ultrasound probe processing and inspection. She was a co‐author on manuscripts related to instrument processing published in AJIC, BI&T, Urology, Journal of Medical Virology, and HSPA’s PROCESS magazine. Abby has experience in a variety of research settings, including a developmental psychology research group and virology and chemistry labs where she conducted analysis for public health and environmental research. 

During this webinar, the presenter describes her team’s groundbreaking discovery of simethicone inside gastrointestinal endoscopes. She explains how the substance was originally identified and describes her team’s detection of other insoluble products on bronchoscopes and GI endoscopes. The presenter discusses the nature of these products, their clinical value, and the dilemma posed by policies that prohibit their use. This course is designed to empower clinicians, perioperative nurses, central service managers, and reprocessing personnel interested in identifying suspicious residues found on endoscopes. The webinar includes recommendations for addressing the use of these insoluble products, including methods for determining which products are being used, conducting risk assessments, and developing strategies for reducing the risk

Objectives

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
    • Describe four types of insoluble products that are commonly used during endoscopy
    • Explain how the use of these products impacts reprocessing effectiveness
    • Summarize guidelines and manufacturer statements on the use of insoluble products
    • Discuss strategies for addressing the potential impact of these products

Instructor

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH

President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

What do dark chocolate, exercise, and fresh air have in common? In this webinar, three scientists will explain the scientific method and describe how to critically evaluate information about these stress-reducing interventions. Next, the presenters will model how to leverage evidence to support quality improvement and resource acquisition in healthcare facilities. Participants will learn how to seek support from stakeholders and incorporate scientific evidence into concise, effective communications for decision-makers. 

Objectives

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
    • Explain how the scientific method can be used to evaluate the impact of wellness interventions including exercise, fresh air, and eating dark chocolate
    • Provide at least three ways to assess the credibility of informational sources
    • Describe how scientific approaches can be used to support decision-making and improve practices 
    • List three strategies for leveraging scientific evidence when collaborating with other stakeholders to address personnel and resource needs

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Krystina M. Hopkins, MPH
Krystina Hopkins was a research manager with Ofstead & Associates, Inc. before moving on to a
frontline quality management position at a local hospital. She has an MPH in environmental health,
specializing in infectious disease. Her research has been published in AJIC, ICHE, Endoscopy International
Open, Journal of Wound Care, Urology, AORN Journal, BI&T, and HSPA’s PROCESS
magazine. Ms. Hopkins has over 15 years of hands-on health and healthcare-related research
experience in diverse in-patient, outpatient, and academic settings. Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, she
supported clinical trials in environmental health, health economics, and community-based research as a
research project manager at Medica Research Institute. Ms. Hopkins was also involved with projects
related to molecular and microbiology, epidemiology, infectious disease, and occupational health in
various roles at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Abby G. Smart, MPH 
Senior Research Associate, Ofstead & Associates, Inc. 
Abby Smart, MPH joined the Ofstead & Associates team in 2019, where she participates in real-world studies and conducts surveillance of peer‐reviewed evidence and government reports. She has developed CE courses and YouTube videos on infection control topics. Her recent work focuses on surgical instrument, flexible endoscope, and ultrasound probe processing and inspection. She was a co‐author on manuscripts related to instrument processing published in AJIC, BI&T, Urology, Journal of Medical Virology, and HSPA’s PROCESS magazine. Abby has experience in a variety of research settings, including a developmental psychology research group and virology and chemistry labs where she conducted analysis for public health and environmental research. 

Damaged or dirty ultrasound probes have been linked to infections and injuries among patients. This webinar discusses strategies for identifying ultrasound processing and maintenance issues. The presenters will provide examples of issues related to probe inventories and discuss case studies illustrating environment-of-care and processing issues discovered by sterile processing managers and infection preventionists during visits to departments. Participants will receive tips for elevating the standard of care and engaging internal stakeholders to manage risk.

Objectives:

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
    • Provide an overview of real-world challenges related to the cleaning and disinfection of ultrasound probe systems
    • Describe basic strategies for identifying ultrasound processing and maintenance practices
    • Explain how sterile processing department (SPD) managers and infection preventionists (IPs) recognized and addressed ultrasound-related quality issues 

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Abby G. Smart, MPH 
Senior Research Associate, Ofstead & Associates, Inc. 
Abby Smart, MPH joined the Ofstead & Associates team in 2019, where she participates in real-world studies and conducts surveillance of peer‐reviewed evidence and government reports. She has developed CE courses and YouTube videos on infection control topics. Her recent work focuses on surgical instrument, flexible endoscope, and ultrasound probe processing and inspection. She was a co‐author on manuscripts related to instrument processing published in AJIC, BI&T, Urology, Journal of Medical Virology, and HSPA’s PROCESS magazine. Abby has experience in a variety of research settings, including a developmental psychology research group and virology and chemistry labs where she conducted analysis for public health and environmental research. 

Have you experienced surgical stapler misfires, burns from laparoscopic insulation failures, or robotic surgery cables snapping during procedures? Do you want to learn more about potential problems with medical devices in your facility? Anyone can submit adverse event reports to the FDA MAUDE database and use it to find reports of malfunctions and patient harm caused by damaged or defective medical devices. In this webinar, two researchers will walk participants through the process for submitting reports and provide strategies for searching the database. They will present case studies of adverse events reported to the FDA related to ultrasound probes, surgical staplers, robotic surgical systems, laparoscopic instruments, and endoscopes. Participants will learn how MAUDEs can be used to guide decision-making and improve patient safety. 

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Brandy L. Buro, MS, RDN
Brandy Buro was a research associate at Ofstead & Associates until 2022, where she supported the team in conducting real-world research by leading surveillance of scientific literature and translating key findings for diverse audiences in industry and healthcare. Ms. Buro has an MS in public health and research methods and is a registered dietician with a strong background in biology, health behaviors, and education methodology. She has research experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in the community. Her research has been published in AJIC, Journal of Wound Care, and the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, Ms. Buro worked as a clinical dietitian in various healthcare settings and led nutrition education programs at the University of Minnesota.

Objectives

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
    1. Explain the purpose and value of Medical Device Reports in the Manufacturer and User Device Experience (MAUDE) database maintained by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    2. Conduct searches of the MAUDE database and interpret search results to support decision-making by healthcare professionals and managers working on the front lines
    3. Understand the implications and methods of reporting requirements for manufacturers, healthcare providers, institutions, and patients
    4. Discuss device malfunctions and exposures/injuries related to the use of common medical devices (e.g., endoscopes, ultrasound probes, staplers, and robotic surgical systems)