Learning Center

Managing loaned instrument sets presents difficulties for even the most organized Sterile Processing departments (SPDs). Hospitals and surgery centers with high procedural volume as well as those performing cutting-edge surgeries may see their loaned tray volume eclipse their regular workload at times! In episode 130, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Dave Jagrosse, sterile processing consultant and Past President of the HSPA Board of Directors, about loaned tray management and strategies for working with vendors. Jagrosse carefully reviews the many challenges of configuring loaned sets. He discusses staffing, storage and transportation considerations and references trusted resources that are available to support loaned tray management. This episode delivers essential tips to help SP professionals navigate loaned sets, an inescapable and unpredictable but important part of our workflow. Guest: Dave Jagrosse, Sterile Processing Consultant Dave Jagrosse is the President of David Jagrosse Consulting LLC which offers educational presentations, published articles, consultant services, and AAMI-based assessments to SP/CSS/OR/Endoscopy professionals worldwide. Jagrosse is a medical device reprocessing subject matter expert to medical device manufacturers, medical companies, independent practices/surgical centers, and offsite sterile processing centers. He is an expert witness for legal matters within the profession and an expert in SPD design and renovation considerations. Jagrosse has more than 36 years of experience in CSSD/SPD as a technician, supervisor, and manager, is an Adjunct Instructor for Sterile Processing with Medcerts, and a Past President of HSPA.

Surgical instruments require consistent care from use, through processing and storage, and back to the procedural area. This care saves healthcare systems money and, more importantly, assures that practitioners have the tools that they need, when they need them, to improve patient outcomes. We know from manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU) and peer-reviewed research that the care of surgical instruments, both simple and complex, begins at the point of use (POU). But how can Sterile Processing professionals communicate effectively with our procedural partners about POU treatment of instruments? In episode 129, host Casey Czarnowski talks with Tami Heacock, System Director of Sterile Processing at Lee Health, about POU treatment (not cleaning!) and its importance to our work in patient care. She discusses guidelines and standards that are available for encouraging POU treatment and strategies for talking with procedural partners about its importance. Guest Info: Tamera Heacock, MBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CNIM System Director of Sterile Processing Lee Health Tamera Heacock is the System Director of Sterile Processing for Lee Health in Fort Myers, Florida. She began her career as a surgical technologist at BroMenn and has been a perioperative business manager, SPD manager and IOM technologist. She holds the CRCST, CIS, CHL and CNIM certifications and received her MBA in 2020. Heacock serves on AAMI standards working groups and advisory boards for ASP, Beyond Clean and Surgio. She has spoken at the Censis Technologies User Conference, presented at HSPA annual conferences and chapter meetings, and served as a subject matter expert for the CHL exam.

Following manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU) is among the most important responsibilities of the Sterile Processing (SP) team, and every item in our departments has an IFU—surgical instruments, processing equipment, detergents, disinfectants, and cleaning tools. Although critical for device care and patient safety, IFU do not have a standardized format or common layout. Each document looks different, which can make the process of trying to follow IFU feel Intense, Frustrating and Unclear. In episode 128, host Jon Wood speaks with Randalyn Harreld of SteelcoBelimed about decoding IFU. Harreld describes most IFU as having “endless amounts of information.” In addition to the cleaning and sterilization sections, she identifies key components of IFU, including contraindications, preparation for use, and handling and storage. Harreld explains the term “compatibility matrix” and the differences between verification and validation. She also emphasizes the importance of looking for and following all cautions and warnings. Finally, Harreld offers strategies for housing and managing access to IFU. Listen in to learn how to better understand—and properly use—your IFU.

Our skin is not just a thing of beauty. It is our largest organ. It prevents water loss and protects us from infection, allergens and ultraviolet light. Although proper hand hygiene is essential to the work of Sterile Processing professionals and the safety of our patients, breaks in the skin barrier can occur due to over washing and exposure to hot water, harsh chemicals and PPE. Our skin health, however, parallels our body health, so it is essential that we take care of it. In episode 127, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with dermatologist, author and consumer advocate Fayne L. Frey, MD, about the importance of protecting our skin. Dr. Frey reviews the anatomy and functionality of the skin and shares habits to keep your skin safe, especially outside of work hours. She discusses skin ailments, provides tips for listeners with sensitive skin, and decodes the buzzwords on skincare product labels. Tune it to learn how to maintain healthy skin and select safe, effective, affordable products sold at your local drugstore.

Data drives improvement in business, and healthcare is no exception. With the effective use of a quality management system (QMS), Sterile Processing (SP) professionals can use data they already collect, including sterilizer printouts and biological monitoring, to improve processes and make their work more efficient and accurate. In episode 126, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Hannah Schroeder of Pure Processing about QMS in the Sterile Processing department (SPD). Schroeder provides a high-level introduction to the QMS process. She discusses its key components, ways to incorporate a QMS in various areas of the SPD, relevant standards and guidelines, and diverse strategies for measuring QMS effectiveness. Listen to learn how a QMS can reveal trends and help SP leaders advocate for resources, such as additional staff, equipment or space. Hannah Schroeder, Clinical Education Specialist, Pure Processing In her current role, Hannah Schroeder brings her passion and experience in sterile processing to the forefront. Schroeder began as a technician in 2017 and became an education coordinator after progressing through various, advancing roles. Her expertise covers areas such as process improvement, recruitment, education and construction project management. She strives to raise awareness and advocate for the needs and education of professionals in the instrument reprocessing profession. Sponsored by Pure Processing Pure Processing is an innovator and manufacturer of sterile processing and endoscope reprocessing technologies. The company focuses on ergonomic solutions that support SPD and GI teams in their effort to keep patients safe. By collaborating with customers and maintaining a deep understanding of industry standards and guidelines, Pure Processing develops solutions truly designed to meet the unique needs that come with instrument and endoscope reprocessing.

The chemicals used in Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) pose serious risks, and Alex Hilliker of ChemDAQ, Inc. believes that chemical safety is not discussed enough. In episode 125, host Jon Wood speaks with Hilliker, who explains the usage progression from ethylene oxide to hydrogen peroxide and glutaraldehyde to peracetic acid. Hilliker discusses the health hazards of working with these chemicals and the regulations and guidelines designed to protect workers from exposure. He reviews exact permissible exposure limits (PELs), methods of environmental and personnel monitoring, and the critical importance of chemical safety training.

In episode 124, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist Amber Wood about how AORN Guidelines address numerous pertinent topics related to Sterile Processing, including challenges associated with 3D-printed instruments, short-cycle sterilization, overcrowded sets, and more. This podcast answers many questions you may not have even known to ask.

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.