Authors (including presenting author) :
Siu SYL(1), Wong WKV (1), Yu YS(1), Kan WSS(1), Chiu MW(1), Shek ST(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Ophthalmology,Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Reprocessing surgical instruments requires many procedures that are guided by regulation, standards and guidelines. This guideline ensured the reusable devices are safe for use from one patient to the next. In TWEH/OPH/OT,the used instruments were decontaminated, assembled and packaged locally before sending to PYNEH/SSD for sterilization. Ophthalmic Operating Theatre Nurses had to shoulder the role of sterile service provider who might not be well trained for reprocessing instruments. By centralizing the reprocessing and sterilization services in PYNEH(HKEC/SSU), the resources could be pooled so as to arouse the cost effectiveness and the standard of quality, while the storage area in TWEH could be modernized for expanding demand in the future.
Objectives :
1.To enhance the cost of effectiveness by merging the reprocessing and sterilization of TWEH instruments in PYNEH. 2.To sustain the quality continuously by introduction of quality management system. 3.To improve the environmental sustainability by changing the packaging method from using wrappers to instrument containers.
Methodology :
Centralization of the sterile supply services was implemented by transferring the reprocessing of instruments service from TWEH to PYNEH, resulting in the termination of decontamination area and packing area in TWEH. The Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU) in TWEH only requires to transfer the used instruments to PYNEH and manage the sterile supply stores. In addition, sterile supply stores were modernized in order to fit in the expansion of the instruments and sterile supplies. Moreover, conversion of packaging method from wrappers to instrument containers was also adapted for the sake of longer life span and thus minimizing the frequency of repackaging. Color coding tags were applied to the instrument containers for easy identification and classification of instrument.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 26 OT staff had involved in the sterile supply service and were distributed questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of reconstruction of instrument reprocessing service. 100% of staffs were satisfied with the new workflow of sterile supply service. 85% of staffs much agreed and totally agreed the new workflow was much effective than the old workflow. 100% staffs agreed that the risk of sharp injury and spread of infection was minimized. 85% of staffs much agreed and totally agreed that implementation of instrument containers was more environmentally friendly than using wrappers as the lifespan of sterilized instrument was longer so that the frequency of repackaging could be lowered. In conclusions,the reconstruction of HKEC /SSU services reduced the hospital resources in terms of labor and time so that TSSU could be managed more cost-effectively with aroused quality standard.
