Competency-based ori-
entation and ongoing
education is vital for ster-
ile processing staff.
When onboarding repro-
cessing staff, make sure
they clearly understand
device-specific IFUs for
cleaning and sterilizing,
suggests Mr. Voigt. And
don't stop there.
"Training on IFUs needs
to be continuous, with meaningful and detailed competencies given
on a regular basis," he says.
There's another factor to consider, if you haven't already. "Sterile
processing is often considered a non-revenue producing department,"
says Ms. Horvath. "But we need to recognize that it's essential.
Reprocessing techs should no longer be considered 'glorified dish-
washers.' Their pay needs to be commensurate with the high expecta-
tions we have for them and the knowledge they need to have. We also
need to reward certification."
Mr. Voigt says it's important for reprocessing techs to seek certifica-
tion through the International Association of Healthcare Central
Service Materiel Management (iahcsmm.org/certification.html).
"States are beginning to recognize how important education is for
reprocessing techs, and the value of understanding the basic princi-
ples of sterile processing," he adds. "We're starting to see this in
mandatory certification laws" in states like New Jersey, Tennessee,
Connecticut and New York.
Every member of your staff should be aware of the challenges
M A Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 7
• TOOL TIME Facilities are pushing to increase case volumes, which has put
added pressures on sterile processing departments.
Mark
R.
Voigt,
CRCST,
CHL
