By Martin Li, MA, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL
Introduction to "C²"
As a Sterile Processing Quality Improvement Educator in the
dynamic healthcare field, my responsibilities include coordinating training
schedules, creating educational programs, evaluating competency, and ensuring
our adherence to rigorous health and safety regulations. At the heart of our
mission lies a deep belief in the power of certification and competency—my
"C²"—as the bedrock for both professional growth and operational
excellence within our Sterile Processing department (SPD).
A Benchmark for Professional Excellence
Certification transcends a mere credential; preparing for
and attaining certification provides a deeper understanding of the SP
discipline, and maintaining that certification involves a commitment to
continuing education and upholding the highest standards of practice. The
significance of certification in fostering career advancement and enhancing
skill mastery is well-documented in recent literature, including pivotal
studies by Bellaire et al. (2023) and Ofstead et al. (2023), highlighting
its indispensable value within our field 1 2.
Inextricably linked with certification, competency provides
our staff members with the essential practical skills and knowledge to excel in
their vital roles. This synthesis of theoretical grounding and practical acumen
helps ensure the efficacy and safety of our healthcare services.
The Value of "C²"
My observations from on-site assessments have revealed
significant distinctions in the performance of staff members before and after
obtaining certification, highlighting the transformative impact of professional
development in Sterile Processing Departments (SPD):
- Application
of Medical Terminology: Initially, SPD staff often encountered
difficulties comprehending the medical terminology used by Operating Room
(OR) teams, which resulted in communication barriers. Following
certification, these staff members have mastered medical terminology,
facilitating seamless and accurate communication with OR teams. This
proficiency has notably improved the efficiency of instrument requisition
and delivery, minimized delays, and enhanced procedural readiness.
- Understanding
of Standards and Protocols: Before undergoing certification, SPD
personnel tended to adhere to sterilization protocols mechanically,
without a thorough understanding of their scientific and clinical
rationale. Certification has empowered them with a comprehensive grasp of
the reasons behind each standard and protocol. This includes the
significance of different sterilization methods tailored to specific
instruments, the meticulous steps required for reprocessing endoscopes,
the application of microbiology principles to infection prevention,
adherence to manufacturers' instructions for use (IFU), implementation of
the Spaulding Classification system, and the strategic use of
disinfectants and sterilants. Enhanced knowledge in these areas has led to
improved compliance rates and contributed to safer OR environments.
- Adoption
of Process Performance Best Practices: Prior to certification, the
staff often resisted changes and best practices, resulting in
inefficiencies and outdated practices that negatively impacted the OR's
functionality. Post-certification, staff have adopted and implemented best
practices in process performance. Notably, they willingly accepted
training on sophisticated tracking and inventory management systems, which
substantially decreased the waiting periods for OR teams. This ensures the
timely availability of the correct surgical instruments and tools for each
procedure, optimizing surgical readiness and efficiency.
The certification of SPD personnel not only bolsters their
individual skills and knowledge but also significantly boosts the collective
efficacy and efficiency of services rendered to the Operating Room. Ultimately,
it elevates the quality of patient care, affirming the vital role of
professional certification in the continual improvement of healthcare delivery.
Despite the evident advantages of certification, the absence
of uniform requirements across states—and even health systems—challenges our
profession's integrity and the overarching safety of healthcare delivery.
Drawing from my experience and the prevailing regulatory landscape, I champion
required certification and view it as an essential measure of the competence of
SP professionals. Variances in certification requirements across states and
facilities present a formidable challenge within our profession. The adoption
of uniform certification standards nationwide would not only elevate our
profession but also ensure a consistent level of care and safety across
healthcare facilities 3 4 5 6 7.
Promoting Continuous Learning and Improvement
An integral aspect of our educational role is nurturing an
environment where continuous learning and improvement are not just encouraged
but pursued ardently. By spotlighting the critical importance of certification
and competency, we motivate our staff to seek educational opportunities and
partake in professional development activities to stay abreast of the latest
industry standards and practices, ensuring our department's leading edge in SP
excellence. For instance, a 10% salary increase is offered as a financial
incentive upon achieving CRCST Certification. We also provide materials and
resources, reimburse application and recertification fees, offer test
preparation classes, in-service training, and reimburse travel expenses for
certified members attending SP-related conferences.
Call to Action for SP Professionals
By fostering a culture that prioritizes certification and
competency, we not only uphold the highest standards of patient care but also
position the SP profession at the forefront of healthcare innovation and
excellence. Our commitment to "C²" ensures that we continuously
elevate our practices, adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare, and
contribute significantly to the safety and efficacy of patient care.
The examples provided within this article serve as a
testament to the tangible benefits that certification and competency bring to
the SP field and healthcare at large. Through the diligent application of
updated standards, the introduction of improved systems, and the strategic
deployment of new technologies, certified and competent SP professionals have
directly impacted patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
I consider the call for certification across states and
health facilities as a moral imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of
patients nationwide. Required certification not only enhances the credibility
of the SP profession but also helps ensure a consistent level of expertise and
care across all healthcare facilities 8.
As we look toward the future, it is clear that the journey towards enhanced
healthcare through certification and competency is ongoing. It requires the
collective effort of educators, professionals, regulatory bodies, and
healthcare organizations to support and advance the goals of the SP profession.
Together, we can continue to make significant strides in improving healthcare
delivery and patient safety.
By embracing "C²," we not only advocate for the
present success of the SPD but also lay the foundation for a future where
excellence in healthcare is achieved through the dedication, skill, and
expertise of its professionals. Let this article serve as a call to action for
all stakeholders in the healthcare industry to recognize the critical
importance of certification and competency in the SP profession and to work
together toward a safer, more efficient, and effective healthcare system. The path
to sustained excellence in our profession is marked by a relentless dedication
to professional development, a steadfast commitment to the highest standards,
and a comprehensive understanding of certification and competency's pivotal
role in our discipline. It is incumbent upon SP leaders and educators to
advocate for supportive policies and practices, mentor and guide their staff,
and continuously evaluate and enhance their department's operations and
outcomes. In doing so, they will not only elevate the quality of patient care
but also further the recognition and advancement of the profession.
Conclusion
Prioritizing certification and competency within the SPD is
not merely beneficial—it must be viewed as an imperative. Doing so serves as a
testament to our dedication to patient safety, professional integrity, and the
relentless pursuit of excellence. As we advance, let us collectively embrace
"C²" as both a standard for our present practice and a beacon guiding
us toward a brighter, safer, and more efficient future in healthcare.
This article, drawing upon a wealth of research and
professional experience, underscores the indispensable role of certification
and competency ("C²") in the Sterile Processing profession. By
incorporating evidence-based practices, advocating for uniform standards, and
fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can ensure that our profession
continues to contribute vitally to the healthcare ecosystem. It is my hope that
this perspective inspires further dialogue, collaboration, and advancement
within our field.
References
- Bellaire,
L.L., et al. (2023). Do formal education or certification opportunities in
sterile processing enhance career advancement? Perioperative Care and
Operating Room Management, 32, 100330.
- Ofstead,
C.L., et al. (2023). Improving mastery and retention of knowledge and
complex skills among sterile processing professionals: A pilot study on
borescope training and competency testing. American Journal of
Infection Control, 51(6), 624−632.
- Chobin,
N. (2016). Understand the Difference between Certification and Competency.
AAMI Array.
- Torpey,
E. (2016). Will I need a license or certification for my job? BLS.
- IC&RC.
(2023). Licensure vs. Certificate. International Certification &
Reciprocity Consortium.
- Gordon,
D., & Kovach, S.M. (2004). Raising the Bar: Why Central Service
Certification Makes a Difference. Healthcare Purchasing News.
- Okada,
A. (2021). Sterile Processing Certification: Why It Matters. Sterile
Education.
- National
Committee for Quality Assurance. (2023). Credentials Verification
Organization Certification. NCQA.
Notes: This article was published in the HSPA Journal “Process” May-June issue, 2024. https://myhspa.org
