Problems in the SPD can be costly, affecting workflow and processes in the OR — and in the very worst cases, harming patients. The challenges are not unknown: instrument volume and complexity have increased, but adequate training and staff are often lacking. The pressure for quick turnaround times only exacerbates these issues. To improve SPD efficiency, effective management tools need to be implemented, including training and error tracking, tray optimization, and increased communication and collaboration between the SPD and the OR.
Training and Tracking
Improving training in the SPD is absolutely essential to its performance. Advances in minimally invasive surgical technology have led to the development of complex devices that can be difficult to dissemble and properly clean. Without further education about the processing of these devices — especially if they are loaner devices that are not regularly processed by the SPD — errors are bound to occur. Training on the latest technology and collaboration with manufacturers can reduce these challenges, and The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) advises that devices be tested for cleanliness before they’re returned to the OR to reduce the risk of adverse incidents. Testing is another area where staff can be trained to ensure that dirty or unsterilized equipment is not reaching the OR.
Error tracking is another key area where many hospitals fall short in SPD management. Without tracking and reporting, the root causes of errors can’t be addressed. Many studies have shown that error tracking and a safety culture of reporting can significantly reduce the number of incidents coming out of the SPD. One particular study in BMJ Quality and Safety showed that SPD errors were affecting 5% of surgical cases, and once the root causes were identified, significant improvements were made.
Reducing Instrument Volume
Instrument volume can become a crisis for the SPD, especially if large numbers of loaner instruments need to be processed. Healthcare Processing News reports that a hospital in New Jersey discovered that their instrument volume was increasing by 10% year over year. Even incremental increases can be significant for the SPD, but it’s rare for proactive steps to be taken to accommodate for these increases.
More remarkable still is the amount of waste in instrument tray utilization. The Journal of Pediatric Urology reveals that up to 87% of instruments go unused during surgical procedures, which is a startling figure as it relates to the impact on the SPD. Optimizing instrument trays can considerably decrease the processing load for the SPD. The Journal cited a study where instrument tray load decreased by up to 39% thanks to assessment and optimization procedures.
Increasing Communication and Collaboration
Finally, one of the most effective ways to improve operations in the SPD is to increase communication and collaboration between the SPD and the OR. To the degree that assumptions are made, concerns are not voiced, and consistency is not achieved, the risk of error fundamentally rises. As Healthcare Purchasing News says, “Leaders from each department should always be visible and accessible, ask questions, and seek to understand processes. . . . Both departments should have shared governance and regular meetings to develop strategies to overcome problems and gauge effectiveness and consistency with quality initiatives.”
Having a dedicated coordinator or liaison is also recommended as a way to cut down on miscommunication and inefficiencies. When it comes to the SPD, positive culture and proactive leadership can be critical; as in any department, these things don’t come naturally and need to be strategically implemented.
We Can Help Improve Your SPD’s Effectiveness
At SpecialtyCare, our mission is to make surgery safer, and that means providing key leadership and management in the SPD that positively impacts the OR. We can provide trained SPD technicians, comprehensive assessments, tray optimization, and even complete SPD management for your hospital. Contact us today to find out more about how we can partner with your teams to improve culture, reduce errors, and increase efficiency in both the SPD and OR!
