Martin Li, MA, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL
Introduction
In the healthcare industry, the Sterile Processing
Department (SPD) plays a critical role in patient safety and care. The
effectiveness of the SPD directly impacts the outcome of surgeries and
procedures by ensuring that instruments and devices are properly cleaned,
sterilized, and ready for use. As SPD educators, our task is monumental: we
must ensure that staff are competent, that their knowledge is current, and that
the resources to maintain competency are available. Failure in this domain
should not be an option.
Addressing Knowledge Deficits: A Consistent Challenge
One of the most significant challenges facing SPD educators
is the disparity in knowledge levels among staff members. Knowledge deficits
vary from one facility to another, making it difficult to standardize training.
These gaps can stem from differences in geographical location, access to
resources, or the specific demands of the institution. It is essential that we,
as educators, remain innovative, embrace technology, and seek unconventional
approaches to ensure that every area of SPD training is covered, no matter the
facility's location or size.
Knowledge deficits among SPD practitioners cannot be
pinpointed to a single subject or category. Every individual comes with varying
degrees of understanding of critical concepts, which makes it challenging to
establish a one-size-fits-all solution. What can be done, however, is to push
for consistency in knowledge through mandatory certification. Standardized
certification ensures that every SPD professional meets a measurable benchmark
of competence. Additionally, certification mandates that practitioners continue
their education through Continuing Education Units (CEUs), keeping their skills
sharp and up to date [1].
Certification as a Pathway to Excellence
Mandatory certification is a critical step in driving
educational consistency and ensuring a baseline level of competency across the
board. Currently, only some states require central sterile personnel to be
certified. However, a nationwide mandate for certification would elevate the
profession, ensuring that all SPD staff members meet the same rigorous
standards. Certification not only ensures that practitioners are well-trained
but also requires them to continue their education and stay current with advancements
in technology and best practices [1].
The certification process, including the maintenance of
certification through CEUs, functions almost like an accountability
system—"Big Brother," so to speak—ensuring that professionals stay
engaged with the latest developments in sterile processing. As technology
evolves, so must the knowledge base of SPD professionals. This continuous
education ensures that staff can confidently and competently operate new
sterilization equipment, follow updated protocols, and avoid the pitfalls of
outdated practices [2].
Innovative Approaches to Education: Online Learning and
Beyond
To meet the educational needs of SPD professionals,
especially those in rural areas, innovative approaches to learning have become
increasingly vital. While urban and suburban communities have easier access to
hands-on training and medical libraries, those in rural areas often struggle to
secure the education necessary to pass certification exams. This is where
technology comes in. Organizations like IAHCSMM, in collaboration with Purdue
University, offer online training programs for central service technicians.
These programs provide a comprehensive curriculum with online discussions,
mentor support, and forums where participants can connect with others in the
field [2].
Online courses offer a unique and modern solution to the
challenge of training in rural and underserved areas. They allow practitioners
to engage in educational activities without the need for frequent travel or
disruption to their daily routines. Furthermore, self-learning CD-ROMs and
other digital resources have become an integral part of ongoing education.
These resources enable practitioners to learn at their own pace and focus on
areas where they may need additional support [2].
The Importance of Hands-On Training and Conferences
While online and digital resources are valuable, hands-on
training remains irreplaceable in the sterile processing profession. Seminars,
conferences, and regional educational meetings provide CS professionals with
the opportunity to network, discuss challenges and solutions with their peers,
and learn from experts in the field. These gatherings foster a sense of
community and shared purpose, while also helping SPD professionals accumulate
the CEUs required for recertification [2].
However, budgetary constraints in hospitals often restrict
attendance at these events. Despite these challenges, organizations like
IAHCSMM have stepped in to offer regional educational meetings, ensuring that
SPD professionals still have access to critical learning opportunities. By
bringing education closer to the technicians who need it most, these regional
meetings play a crucial role in maintaining the competency of SPD staff, even
in the face of financial limitations [3].
Surgical Instrumentation: The Greatest Knowledge Gap
Of all the areas where knowledge deficits exist, surgical
instrumentation remains the most significant gap for SPD professionals. Sterile
processors must be familiar with every instrument, unlike operating room
personnel who may specialize in one area. With continuous advancements and
changes in surgical instrumentation, the learning curve remains steep. The lack
of specific training materials tailored for central sterile staff further
exacerbates the issue [4].
This gap is not simply a matter of memorization—it requires
critical thinking and the ability to interpret manufacturers’ instructions
correctly. Many SPD professionals face an additional challenge: English may not
be their first language, which can complicate the interpretation of technical
instructions. Failure to follow manufacturers' guidelines can result in
improper processing of devices, posing legal risks and endangering patient
safety [4].
The Need for Acknowledgment and Proper Compensation
Sterile processors often feel undervalued and treated like
second-class citizens. For years, the attitude towards SPD professionals has
been one of indifference—"just do your job." However, the importance
of their work cannot be overstated. Proper training ensures that SPD staff can
operate all equipment, including sterilizers, confidently and competently.
Managers should not need to oversee every step; with adequate training, staff
can handle special sterilization cycles without supervision [5].
Changing the perception of sterile processors is crucial.
Once the importance of their work is acknowledged, the profession will gain the
respect it deserves, including salaries that reflect the immense responsibility
they carry. Administrators, hospital staff, and even CEOs need to understand
that the success of surgeries and patient outcomes depends on competent,
well-compensated SPD professionals. Sterile processors are not directly in the
operating room, but their work is just as essential to patient care as the work
of surgeons and nurses [5].
Moving Forward: The Role of HR and Language Competency
Human Resources (HR) departments play a vital role in
recruiting competent SPD staff. A standardized salary survey, clear job
descriptions, and a career ladder can help attract a higher caliber of
candidates. Additionally, language competency should be a requirement in job
descriptions. While English as a second language courses can be offered,
proficiency in reading, interpreting, and speaking English fluently is crucial
for effective communication with surgeons and other medical staff [4].
Learning the necessary information to become proficient in
sterile processing is time-consuming, and it is unrealistic to expect SPD
professionals to know every surgical instrument immediately. Basic training,
which includes both classroom and clinical time, may take up to six months.
However, with proper training and support, sterile processors can gradually
build the knowledge and skills required to excel in their roles [4].
Conclusion: Failure is Not an Option
In sterile processing, failure is not an option. The safety
of patients, the success of surgeries, and the reputation of healthcare
facilities depend on the competence of SPD professionals. Mandatory
certification, ongoing education, hands-on training, and the acknowledgment of
sterile processors' importance are all critical steps toward ensuring that
failure never occurs. The future of the SPD profession lies in the hands of
educators, administrators, and healthcare leaders who recognize the essential role
that sterile processing plays in patient care and are committed to investing in
the education and compensation of SPD professionals.
References
- https://www.steris.com/healthcare/knowledge-center/sterile-processing/spd-staffing-training-education
- https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/educating-spd-staff
- https://consteril.com/sterile-processing-mistakes/
- https://www.steris.com/healthcare/knowledge-center/sterile-processing/what-is-sterile-processing
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-i-love-being-spd-educator-carol-corso-b-s-cspdt-csis/
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