HSPA

Competency is a term that relates to performance improvement, and professionals are expected to attain and cultivate it through experience and a desire to learn, grow and advance in their knowledge and skillsets. In the sterile processing (SP) environment, it’s important to examine how competencies are valued and applied. Are they viewed as a necessary evil or do SP professionals embrace the opportunities competencies can provide?

Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infection outbreaks have been associated with flexible endoscopes, and review of processes and procedures used to reprocess these complex devices has revealed failures in reprocessing steps.

Sterile processing (SP) professionals must manage the seemingly countless instruments (sometimes, in the thousands) that flow through their departments.

When errors in sterile processing (SP) occur, the department’s leader and team members must fully explore the reasons behind those incidents and promptly seek effective solution.

Operating room (OR) and endoscopy suite professionals play a critical role in point-of-use instrument treatment – and the use of enzymatic sprays and detergents can be a powerful tool in the process thanks to their ability to break down clinical soil and make cleaning easier and more effective in sterile processing areas.

Sterile processing (SP) professionals must continue acquiring knowledge and education to build their skills and help them complete their complex daily tasks to the very best of their ability.