Nearly two years ago, the beleaguered sterile processing department at Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, seemed to hit rock bottom. Bouncing around the organizational chart with long-standing process inefficiencies soured its service relationship to the operating room, which hurt its credibility and influence. But rather than serving as a breaking point, these roadblocks became a rallying cry for change, earning the team Healthcare Purchasing News’ 15th Annual 2008 CS/SPD Department of the Year Award.

When we think of pest control, we may think of toxic sprays and the unpleasant fumes left behind that can affect healthy persons and sick patients in different ways, ranging from harmful to irritating. But pest control has a new watch phrase called "environmentally friendly" that’s removing some of the toxicity without eliminating the effectiveness.

Self Study Series
A validated approach to cleaning

Best practices in sterile processing may represent a vast topic that undoubtedly encompasses an infinite array of processes, from proper instrument cleaning and sterilizer loading, to appropriate use of sterility assurance products and the tracking of instrument trays and equipment cycles, to name just a few. But there’s one best practice that some SPDs may inadvertently overlook: Thoughtful, ergonomic design that promotes employee safety, while also streamlining operational efficiencies, and promoting quality on numerous fronts.

Being fashionable and functional is no longer enough for furniture and flooring options in healthcare facilities. These days, hospitals and other healthcare facilities seek options similar to their employee training programs. Just as they cross-train staffers to handle multiple functions motivated by cost savings and efficiency, they look for furniture and flooring products with multi-purpose functionality.

What Works
Selecting a contracted, regulated medical waste disposal provider

People and Opinions
Georgetown Healthcare Leadership Program

Having My Say
Working together to advance sterilization practice

Baseline
Making sport of the hot flash dare
with Fred Crans