STERILE PROCESSING CASE STUDIES PROJECT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the case study is to allow the student to analyze information retained over the duration of the sterile processing program and apply that knowledge obtained to provide specific solutions to common issues that may occur within the sterile processing department.
CASE STUDY INSTRUCTIONS
Choose two of the four topics as listed below: Decontamination Principles, Sterilization Methods, Preparation of Medical Equipment and Supplies, and Inventory Control and Distribution Systems. Once the two case studies are chosen, answer the questions using your own words and address the conflict or issue with a solution specific to the topics chosen. Like the other assignments in the program, this assignment is open book. Not only is it open book in terms of study materials, you’re encouraged to use the Internet and any other research tool available to develop each response. You can utilize your text or other credible sources to build a thorough paper that contains at least six main ideas with supporting details regarding the topic chosen and a minimum of three credible references. The paper must be written in APA or MLA format with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Please refer to rubric regarding specific grading criteria.
Label your assignment or create your file name with your student number XXX_STA_lesson_14. You should submit your finished assignment using the DropBox in the Student Portal. More detailed instructions are provided at the end of the project description.
Now that you understand the basic goals of this project, let’s get started.
CASE STUDY SCENARIOS
- Decontamination Principles: Dr. Frankie is a prestigious neurosurgeon at Glory Medical Center. During the last week, the surgical technician in the operating room has noticed that dirty instruments have made it into the OR. The technician finally decides to consult with the supervisor because the incident has now occurred three days in a row. What issue has occurred, and what may be the cause of this/these errors? What might the sterile processing department have to do to resolve this issue? Explain the decontamination process. What extra efforts can be made to ensure that clean instruments are delivered to the surgical suite?
- Sterilization Methods: Kristine, a technician in the sterile processing department, has noticed that after sterilization at least two out of every four loads sterilized for the day are moist. She has consulted with her supervisor on effective ways in which she could troubleshoot the concerns with wet loads, because it has now affected the department’s work efficiency and quality control. Why might the loads be wet? What solutions can Kristine apply to ensure that the processed instrument sets aren’t moist? Define a wet load. Discuss how this issue can affect both the operating room and the sterile processing department. How should Kristine handle the wet packages to ensure quality control?
- Preparation of Medical Equipment and Supplies: Over the last month, the operating room has received rigid containers without filters, assembled instruments in sterilized sets, and closed versus open packaged and processed instruments. Why are all three of these occurrences an issue? Discuss the instrument preparation process. What can the sterile processing technician do to ensure that all items are prepared and packaged correctly? What might the operating room staff have to do if items are received closed, assembled, or without the appropriate filters, chemical indicators, etc.? How can it affect the patient if those items are used?
- Inventory Control and Distribution: The sterile processing department at Hershey-Chocolate Medical Center has an excessive amount of inventory. Discuss what issues or concerns may occur due to this excessive inventory. What inventory system may work well for their department? Discuss at least four types of inventory systems and how each could initiate a more controlled environment of inventory for the facility. How can distribution be affected by excessive inventory?
