Martin Li, MA, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL
Introduction
The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is a high-pressure,
fast-paced environment where interactions are varied and constant. It is a
setting where the consequences of a lapse in focus or a negative mood can
ripple throughout the department, affecting not only the individual but the
entire team's performance and morale. In such a demanding environment,
fostering a positive culture is essential for ensuring both the physical and
mental well-being of SPD technicians. This article explores the role of positivity
in the SPD, drawing parallels between the spread of positivity and the
transmission of infections, and highlights how cultivating a positive mood can
lead to significant cultural changes within the department.
The Importance of a Positive Environment
In the sterile processing environment, the concept of
cleanliness and the prevention of contamination are paramount. Just as
bioburdens can multiply and spread if not properly managed, so too can
negativity if left unchecked. A lack of point-of-use cleaning or the failure to
use enzymatic detergents can lead to the development of complex bioburden
growths that require considerable effort to remove. Similarly, in an
environment where stress and negativity are allowed to fester, it can become
increasingly difficult for technicians to maintain their morale and
effectiveness.
A positive environment, on the other hand, allows SPD
technicians to thrive. In the right conditions, technicians can experience
better physical and mental health, which directly impacts their performance.
Confidence, a sense of security, and the ability to contribute opinions without
fear of retribution are all critical components of a healthy workplace. These
elements create opportunities for bonding and growth among team members,
fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Just as infection prevention is
essential to the work of an SPD, spreading positivity is crucial to creating a
resilient and effective team.
Positivity as a Contagious Force
Positivity, much like biological contagion, has the power to
spread rapidly throughout a department. Consider the example of a yawn in a
room full of people; one person yawns, and soon, the entire room is yawning.
This phenomenon is a simple illustration of how emotions, whether positive or
negative, can be contagious. In the context of the SPD, the mood of a single
technician can influence the entire team.
At the start of a shift, it is not uncommon to see a variety
of emotions on the faces of the team members gathered for the morning huddle.
The challenge of maintaining a positive mood in such an environment varies for
each individual. Factors such as personal experiences, genetic predispositions,
and the overall atmosphere in the department all play a role in shaping a
person's mood. For instance, an orthopedic screw caddy falling to the floor
during assembly can quickly sour the mood of even the most resilient
technician. The negative emotions generated by such an incident can quickly
spread, infecting the rest of the team.
The Science of Emotional Contagion
The spread of emotions within a team is not just anecdotal;
it is supported by scientific research. A 2022 study conducted in a German
medical facility surveyed 200 employees about their workplace stress and coping
strategies. The study identified three main categories of coping strategies:
high energy and positivity, positive reframing and social coping, and evasive
coping such as avoidance. The study found that those who actively engaged in
positive reframing and other social coping strategies were better equipped to
handle stress and maintain a positive mood, which in turn had a positive impact
on their colleagues (Catalino, 2014).
Neurological studies further support the idea that emotions
are contagious. Research has shown that viewing a smiling face can trigger
areas of the brain that cause the observer to mirror the emotions they see.
This automatic response means that positivity can spread from one person to
another, much like a pathogen. In the SPD, this means that a single individual
who arrives at work in a good mood can influence the entire team, helping to
create a positive atmosphere that benefits everyone (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
The Chain of Infection and Positivity
The spread of positivity in the SPD can be likened to the
chain of infection, a concept well-known to those in the healthcare field. The
chain of infection consists of six links: the infectious agent, the reservoir,
the portal of exit, the mode of transmission, the portal of entry, and the
susceptible host. Each link in this chain must be present for an infection to
spread. Similarly, the spread of positivity in the SPD can be understood
through this framework.
- Infectious
Agent: In this context, the infectious agent is the positive
technician who brings energy, humor, and a good attitude to the workplace.
- The
Reservoir: The reservoir is the environment in which the technician
operates, in this case, the SPD. This environment is where positivity
is cultivated and nurtured.
- Portal
of Exit: The portal of exit refers to how the positivity is
transmitted from the technician to others. This can be through body
language, spoken words, or physical gestures such as a pat on the back or
a high-five.
- Mode
of Transmission: The mode of transmission is how the positivity
spreads through the department. This could be through direct interactions,
such as conversations or shared tasks, or indirectly, through the overall
atmosphere of the department.
- Portal
of Entry: The portal of entry is how other technicians
receive positivity. This could be through being open to positive comments,
physical touch, or simply being in the presence of a positive individual.
- Susceptible
Host: The susceptible host is the technician who is open to receiving
positivity. This could be someone who is already in a decent mood and is
therefore more likely to be influenced by the positivity of others.
Breaking the Chain of Negativity
Just as healthcare professionals work to break the chain of
infection to prevent the spread of disease, so too must SPD leaders work to
break the chain of negativity. Negativity, like a pathogen, can spread rapidly
if not contained. However, by focusing on spreading positivity, SPD leaders can
create an environment where resilience, effectiveness, and collaboration
thrive.
Interventions to break the chain of negativity can take many
forms. For example, promoting a culture of open communication and feedback
allows technicians to express their concerns without fear of retribution.
Encouraging teamwork and recognizing the contributions of all team members
helps to build a sense of belonging and inclusion. Providing opportunities for
professional development and personal growth ensures that technicians feel
valued and supported in their roles.
The benefits of spreading positivity in the SPD are clear.
Positive emotions not only improve the mental and physical well-being of
individual technicians but also enhance the overall functioning of the
department. Teams that are resilient in the face of stress and adversity are
better equipped to handle the challenges of the job. By fostering a culture of
positivity, SPD leaders can create a department where everyone has the
opportunity to thrive.
Conclusion
The sterile processing environment is one where precision,
focus, and teamwork are critical to success. In such a setting, the mood and
attitude of each technician can have a significant impact on the entire team.
By cultivating a positive environment, SPD leaders can ensure that their teams
are resilient, effective, and collaborative. Positivity, like an infection, can
spread rapidly throughout a department, leading to lasting cultural changes
that benefit everyone. Just as bioburdens must be carefully managed to prevent
contamination, so too must negativity be addressed to prevent it from
undermining the work of the SPD. In contrast, fostering a positive mood in the
SPD can lead to better outcomes, both for the technicians and for the patients
they serve.
References
1. Lahnna
I. Catalino, et. (2014). Prioritizing Positivity: An Effective Approach to
Pursuing Happiness https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533095/
2. Mayo
Clinic, (2023). Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
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