1102-B - Standardization of Ambulatory High Level Disinfection and Sterilization

Session Description : In the United States, there are more than 840.4 million ambulatory office visits each year. With the growth of ambulatory surgical centers and in-office minor procedures, high level disinfection and sterilization is a key component in ambulatory patient safety. The aim of this project was to develop and implement standardized high level disinfection and sterilization processes across ambulatory practices in a large health system.

Effectively sharing resources and implementing standardization in a decentralized and geographically dispersed ambulatory setting is a challenge. A system high level disinfection and sterilization committee was established as well as dedicated managers and educators to support rapid dissemination of information from recalls, changes to manufacturer’s instructions for use, and updated regulatory oversight to practices. Data analysis revealed multiple benefits in creating high level disinfection and sterilization consolidated regional “hubs” to improve cost efficiency, staffing, and best practice adherence.

Understanding the benefits of transitioning to a centralized process was a challenge for teams who were accustomed to completing in-office high level disinfection and sterilization. To achieve buy in, key stakeholders were asked to participate in discussions to understand value based information related to cost effectiveness, increased staff time for patient care, and staff satisfaction. Committees were developed with subject matter experts, frontline staff and clinical specialties to address needs and provide feedback. The multidisciplinary committees, with senior leadership support, standardize structure and increase communication to develop engagement within the teams. The committees review trends identified through tracers determining future goals to support practices.

With supply chain limitations, staffing shortages and increasing global travel, eliminating infectious organisms through disinfection and sterilization processes has become a continuous challenge. Standardizing and centralizing high level disinfection and sterilization processes in ambulatory settings improve staff safety, patient safety, consistency, cost effectiveness, communication and efficiency.