reprocessing techs face when sterilizing instruments and appreciate
the immense pressure of working in the OR. "Hold in-services for staff
from both areas, so everyone understands not only how instruments
are cleaned and sterilized, but also how they're used," says Mr. Voigt.
Take it one step further and have your sterile processing staff
observe surgery and members of the surgical team watch reprocess-
ing techs in action. That helps build a rapport between the depart-
ments and gives them insight on the role they play in the entire team
effort, says Mr. Voigt.
Ms. Horvath agrees that it's important to create a shared purpose
and goal between staff in the OR and the sterile processing depart-
ment. "They should walk a mile in each other's shoes, so they're
aware of the responsibilities the other group handles and so they
develop a mutual respect," she adds. "They need to work as a team,
because they're on the same team."
4. Process breakdowns
Even the most technically advanced decontamination and sterilization
equipment will fail if there's a breakdown in the process, says Mr.
Voigt. For example, he says the cavitation and impingement actions of
an ultrasonic and washer-disinfector are only effective if you can
appropriately disassemble instruments and choose the appropriate
cleaning method. Chemicals and disinfectants are only effective if
you're familiar with contact times, efficacy claims and appropriate
applications. Enzymatic soaps are designed to catalyze specific bio-
chemical reactions, but in order for them to work, you must know the
temperature and concentration needed to effectively break down car-
bohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Ms. Horvath says point-of-use care and cleaning of lumened instru-
ments or devices with working channels is especially important.
2 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 9
