3204 - Five Crucial Domains for Sterile Processing Quality Outcomes

Session Description: Hospitals and surgery centers across the country are plagued by noncompliance with infection prevention activities related to sterilization.

In contrast to this national pattern, our five-hospital system, which also includes 15 outpatient surgery centers, has had no sterilization-related compliance findings for two consecutive accreditation surveys. We attribute much of our Sterile Processing Department (SPD) success to designating five domains of quality. Maintaining a focus on these domains has allowed us to systematically develop robust processes, execute effective corrective action plans, and identify and mitigate risks.

This presentation will introduce and define the five domains: Supplies, Trained Employees, Equipment, Environment, and Process Adherence. This will include examples of how each domain impacts various functional areas of SPD.

Additionally, two examples will be presented, demonstrating how these domains can be applied to quality improvement tools.

The first example will show how the domains can be incorporated into a corrective action process. Specifically, we will demonstrate how Cause-and-Effect diagrams can be pre-populated for common SPD failures. This is helpful in focusing on the vital few possible causes that will be most beneficial to address.
The second example will show how the domains can be helpful in creating new processes. Specifically, we will show how a Critical-to-Quality Tree can promote the effective introduction of a new piece of cleaning equipment.

Finally, we will discuss how human factors are intertwined with the Process Adherence quality domain. The intent will be to ensure that audience members maintain a focus on recognizing and seeking to address process factors that drive human behaviors.

For the less seasoned Infection Preventionist (IP), this session should help demystify SPD. For the more experienced IP, this material has the potential to increase their value to SPD, and their organization, as a leader, an advocate, and an expert in their field.