Optimizing Sterile Processing: Revenue Generation & Cost Reduction

Strategic optimization of Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) can contribute to revenue generation, reduce cost, and ensure quality. Let’s delve into the key strategies and insights:

The Common Challenge: 

Many SPDs nationwide struggle to recruit, train, and retain Sterile Processing Technicians, resulting in understaffed departments with low-level expertise. Additionally, leadership gaps compound the latter barrier. 

Stressed Sterile Processing Departments usually result in: 

1. 1. Increased Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are often the result of improper decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments and devices. Studies show the average cost of surgical site infections is $30,000 per incident, but can be much more costly depending on the severity of the infection. 
   2. Reduced Productivity and Quality of surgical tray output to the Operating Room cause surgical delays, negatively affecting hospital surgical capacity. The cost per minute in the OR ranges between $60 and $200. 
   3. Lack of Surgeon Satisfaction in hospitals is often directly related to poor quality in Sterile Processing Departments. 

Solutions: 

Is your SPD experiencing gaps in recruiting, training, and retaining issues and/or leadership expertise? Consider temporarily outsourcing key labor and leadership to highly trained and experienced professionals. Moab Healthcare’s Sterile Processing professionals immediately impact the productivity and quality of Surgical Services. 

1. Leveraging Interim Leadership for Stabilization and Transformation
   Interim leaders have much experience and expertise and play a crucial role in SPD optimization. Here’s how they contribute:
   • Stabilizing the Department: During leadership transitions or challenging times, interim leaders provide stability. They bridge gaps, maintain operations, and keep staff motivated.
   • Assessing and Strategizing: Interim leaders evaluate existing processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted plans. Their objective perspective brings fresh insights.
   • Implementing Best Practices: With their extensive experience, interim leaders introduce proven strategies and ensure compliance with quality standards and patient safety protocols.
     
2. High-Performing Travel SPD Technicians
   Moab Healthcare’s travel SPD staff have at least three years of experience, are certified, and thoroughly vetted. They can hit the ground running for immediate positive results.

The Result: 

1. Revenue Generation
   Does your surgical department have the capacity to add one more surgical case a day? If so, hospitals often cannot reach their surgical capacity because of SPD’s lack of productivity. One extra surgical procedure a day can generate more than $2M in revenue annually.
2. Minimizing Cost by Minimizing Surgical Site Infections
   Surgical site infections are detrimental to patient health and costly for healthcare systems. Consider the following approaches:
   • Robust Sterilization Protocols: Implement evidence-based practices to ensure consistent and effective sterilization of surgical instruments.
   • Quality Assurance Programs: Regularly audit processes to maintain high standards and prevent errors.
   • Collaboration with Surgeons: Engage surgeons in discussions about instrument handling and infection prevention.
3. Enhancing Operational Efficiency
   Efficient SPD operations directly impact revenue by optimizing surgical throughput. Here’s how Moab Healthcare can play a pivotal role:
   • Workflow Streamlining: Evaluate the entire instrument processing workflow, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
   • Resource Allocation: Ensure optimal staffing levels and allocate resources effectively.
   • Technology Integration: Leverage advanced tracking systems for instrument management.

At Moab Healthcare, we’re committed to helping you unlock the revenue potential within your SPD. Whether through flexible staffing models, process improvements, or interim leadership services, let’s optimize together. For personalized guidance, contact our team at hello@moabhealthcare.com or call 1-833-773-8324.
Thank you for being part of our healthcare community!