Defining quality in the sterile processing department (SPD) is a challenge for many healthcare organizations and hospitals. Most of the time spent on sterile processing is not about improvement but about fighting turnover and doing damage control when delays or errors occur. However, when quality is quantified and measured, the SPD can improve by leaps and bounds, diminishing risk and increasing OR revenue.
In our latest podcast episode, we discussed the criteria for SPD quality with Gregg Agoston, our Vice President for Service Lines Sales, and Marcy Konja, who leads and manages our sterile processing business. We uncovered the variables that determine quality and how to handle them successfully for positive outcomes.
Variables that Determine Quality in the SPD
The functionality, availability, and safety of surgical instruments are key factors when it comes to measuring quality in the SPD. Instruments must be totally clean and sterilized, free from contamination or malfunction, and ready for use when needed. So what should be prioritized for the sake of this outcome?
“One big factor is staffing proficiency,” says Marcy. “Adequate staffing is critical, but proficiency is even more important. Gregg and I have traveled to hospitals nationwide, and I rarely see SPD departments that are adequately staffed — either in numbers or in skill.
“For instance, when the OR expands by adding more rooms, administrators often forget to account for the additional workload on SPD. Staffing needs aren’t based solely on the number of rooms or case volume; they depend on case complexity, types of instruments, and the volume of instruments requiring processing. And SPD teams often take on additional tasks, like managing durable medical equipment for hospital floors. All of this must be considered when determining staffing needs.”
Proper Training and Equipment Lead to Efficiency
Adequate staffing is vital to SPD operations, but even well-staffed departments can struggle without proper training and equipment.
“The complexity of modern instruments requires comprehensive orientation and ongoing education,” says Marcy. Innovations in the OR have trickled down to create more labor-intensive cleaning and sterilization. Combined with the high volume of instruments cycling through the SPD, consistent training is non-negotiable for efficient operations.
Additionally, the equipment and supplies can significantly affect timing and efficacy. “Outdated or malfunctioning sterilizers can bottleneck processes, while an inefficient supply chain can lead to delays or errors in case preparation,” says Gregg.
Audits vs. Daily Operations: Looking Deeper
Some administrators assume that having a Joint Commission gold seal means SPD quality isn’t an issue, but the appearance of quality is not the same as its reality. Daily operations are a more accurate measure of an SPD’s capability to produce safe instruments in a timely manner.
“While I respect organizations like the Joint Commission, their reviews often focus on specific, familiar areas and are limited by time,” says Marcy. “A department might look good during an audit, but that doesn’t always reflect daily operations. For example, as a former SPD manager, I could guide auditors through the department in a way that highlighted strengths while glossing over weaknesses.
“Gregg and I emphasize the importance of digging deeper. We look at documentation, sterilizer logs, instrument inspection processes, and more. Accreditation agencies often don’t have the time or resources to catch systemic quality breakdowns.”
These breakdowns may include training gaps, workflow inefficiencies, or recurring errors. Only a deeper dive can expose systemic issues so that they can be addressed and resolved.
Make Your SPD More Efficient for Better Outcomes
A stronger SPD means a better-performing OR, which ultimately benefits both the hospital and patients. SpecialtyCare is trusted by 1,200 hospitals across our services lines to make surgery safer, and our expertise in the SPD is your advantage. We can assess your SPD using Six Sigma principles to identify areas for improvement and create targeted plans to decrease delays and errors. We can also provide SPD management and experienced SPD techs to help your department run more efficiently. Contact us today to learn more!
