was inconsistent. I spoke to several nurses about how they used the
system and received different answers from each one. Step one,
therefore, was to ensure every member of the nursing and sterile pro-
cessing teams knew how to properly scan instrument trays and carts
and, more importantly, understood the importance of doing it consis-
tently. Demonstrating the correct way to scan instrument trays is
now part of the department's yearly competencies. We created a
quick reference guide on the proper use of the scanning system that
each staff member attaches to their identification badges to help
reinforce the training they receive.
• Know the barriers. Our hospital has a large ENT service line,
meaning the case schedule is booked solid from early morning to early
evening. Sterile processing techs said they had every intention of scan-
ning each instrument
set and cart before
sending them to the
ORs, but instruments
often needed to be
fast-tracked to keep
pace with the sheer
volume of cases, mak-
ing scanning in sterile
processing impossible
to complete. Due to
the high-volume of
cases and rapid move-
ment of instrument
trays, nurses working
ENT cases are asked
to scan individual trays
7 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 2 0
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