until we told them we were keeping single instruments in storage and
compiling sets as needed per preference cards, plus pulling surgeon-
specific instruments. That's when we started to get more buy-in. The
more deliberate and trustworthy you make the process, the more sur-
geons' mindsets will change. Our surgeons are now thinking: What do I
really need in the OR during my cases? They're working with us to
eliminate even more unneeded items.
Our reprocessing area is much neater now with slim-downed trays.
We can dedicate more space in a landlocked basement to instrument
care in order to keep pace with increases in case volumes.
More cases, fewer complaints
Start your built-to-order crusade with a single service line and a will-
ing doc, and spread the program through all of your specialties with
hard data and storytelling about proven results. Most of our surgeons
now want their instrument sets built to order. Plus, the phone isn't
ringing and meetings aren't scheduled to deal with conflicts between
the ORs and sterile processing. Gone are the complaints from the sur-
gical team that they could perform more cases if only staff in sterile
processing increased its throughput. Throughput has increased, now
that we've eliminated unnecessary instruments from the mix.
OSM
Mr. Backous (chris.backous@virginiamason.org) is a senior faculty mem-
ber at Virginia Mason Institute in Seattle, Wash.
Staffing
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