JUNE 2021LIFE SCIENCES REVIEW9Different types of sterilization and cycles for some of the complex instruments can also be a challenge if you are not up-to-date on industry requirementsan updated system to track instruments to a specific patient. Biological Testing: Advances in technology have brought about shorter biological processing times for quicker readouts and faster turnaround times for critical instrument sets, such as those containing implants.Mandatory Certification: We worked for several years to require certification for our employees. We paid for the course and testing and rewarded our employees with a pay increase upon completion. We did this to ensure the employees had a basic understanding and knowledge of reprocessing medical devices. This is a profession that has a direct impact on patient care. Over the last 30 years there has been a rapid expansion in surgical procedures that require complex instrumentation, as well as sterilization, and they require a much higher level of knowledge to competently clean and process than the basic general instruments we processed in the past. Improved Communication: Through a committee including staff from SPD and OR, we worked to improve communication and relationships. We aired grievances, solved problems, and eventually saw much improvement between the two. Consigned/Loaner Instrumentation: We have seen over time the use of consigned or loaner instruments. This has been an increase in productivity as the services offered today are much more complex than they were 30 years ago.Creation of FEDS (Freeman Equipment Delivery Service): In 2010 we created FEDS to better manage moveable medical equipment. We now spend approximately $50k in equipment rental each year as we have worked diligently to better manage equipment and now own 95 percent or more. Preceptors: We have preceptors for all new employees, after their 120-day orientation they are given the CRCST manual and workbook to study for certification test. Instrument Processing Expansion: We now have many instruments processed for outside clinics and physicians' offices. This has increased over time to eliminate improper cleaning and processing of instruments in offices. Surgery Cases: We have gone from 15-20 surgery case days to 40-60 case days in the same sized area. We have long outgrown our respective areas. In the past year we have cleaned and sterilized approximately 140,000 instrument sets:The role of a CS/SPD technician has drastically changed over the past 30 years. The technician needs to be able to think critically, understand instructions for use, and know best practice standards. There is more loaner equipment, chemicals, biological testing, complex instruments, and surgical supplies. Different types of sterilization and cycles for some of the complex instruments can also be a challenge if you are not up-to-date on industry requirements. Initial and ongoing education is crucial. There is high turnover and low wages. Because of the demands in this profession, there needs to be greater recognition of the importance of the CS/SPD professional by the administration and the changes in technology that require on-going education. Jackie Mallatt
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