Payment models, patient demographics, staff shortages, patient and staff injuries, regulatory compliance, and outpatient growth are affecting where and how instrument processing takes place. For health systems, balancing patient care with instrument processing is becoming a real challenge.
In this post you will learn more about:
- The Evolving Landscape of Instrument Sterilization and
- The Promise of Next Generation Steam Sterilizers
The Evolving Landscape of Instrument Sterilization
Instrument processing is a critical part of any infection prevention (IP) program and central to helping maintain a safe primary care environment. One simple error or misstep can result in the unintended spread of infection, affecting both patients and caregivers.
Instrument processing is a highly regulated, time-consuming, and labor-intensive task. This presents a challenge for staff, achieving a balance between prioritizing patient care and properly sterilizing instruments.
This balance is further tested by the fact that the individuals responsible for instrument processing are often responsible for other processes and tasks during their shift. There may also be the additional pressure to quickly process instruments as higher output can mean more income, especially as more procedures move to outpatient care environments.
Add staffing shortages and turnover to the mix and you have a situation where there may simply not be enough time or people to complete instrument processing.
A better understanding of facility, equipment, and workflow design can play a vital role in easing these burdens. Regardless of the size or shape of the instrument processing area, it is important to choose sterilization equipment that supports a standardized workflow. A workflow that can be consistently reproduced by staff makes it easier to manage the process and ensure adherence to clinical best practices and compliance guidelines.
The Promise of Next Generation Steam Sterilizers
For instrument processing equipment to be effective, it must be simple to use and maintain while also helping users adhere to proper instrument processing protocols.
Designed for enhanced durability and ease of use, Midmark® Steam Sterilizers help care teams improve instrument processing and documentation compliance efficiencies. The ease of use can help reduce training time and build confidence in new staff.
The following are highlights of the Midmark's new next generation steam sterilizers:
- Intuitive User Interface allows users to navigate cycle setup and other processes with a clear, fingerprint-resistant 5-inch touchscreen that can be used while wearing gloves.
- Streamlined Compliance Recordkeeping helps care teams stay audit-ready with device reminders and notifications, user authentication, unlimited storage of routine care events for the life of the sterilizer, and automated cycle recordkeeping.
- Improved Durability reduces the frequency of required maintenance by users and certified technicians by more than half. Midmark sterilizers have been designed for durability, including an increase in device life to 25,000 cycles, thanks to a completely reengineered chamber.
- Reduced Cost of Ownership saves thousands in operating and device care costs compared to competitive models.
- More FDA-Cleared Cycle Options provide preset cycles to meet both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI) sterilization cycle recommendations for wrapped instruments. These cycle options can simplify clinical workflow.
- Optional Autofill + Auto-Drain features ensure fresh water for every cycle without burdening care teams.
Of course, having the right sterilizer in place is only effective if clinicians and staff using the devices are properly trained. While these next generation sterilizers are designed for ease of use, care teams need to understand how to effectively use and maintain the equipment in order to ensure maximum benefit and compliance.
Midmark offers clinical education options to help care teams strengthen the effectiveness of IP programs.
With the next generation of Midmark Steam Sterilizers and the proper training, care teams will be better equipped to help ensure patient safety in the healthcare setting through balanced patient care and instrument processing.
Shop CME Corp. for Midmark Steam Sterilizers
Partner with CME for Midmark Steam Sterilizers.
CME is your go-to, one-stop-shop for next generation steam sterilizers by Midmark. We have a long-standing relationship with Midmark and can work with you to find the best sterilizers for your healthcare facility and staff.
Our Direct-to-Site services assure sterilizers are delivered and installed when it is convenient for you. And, CME Biomedical Technicians will keep your sterilizers up and running with preventative annual maintenance, service, or repair.
Click chat to begin a conversation about your sterilizer needs.
About Midmark: Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care with better equipment, smarter workflows, and integrated technology. Midmark Corporation is the only clinical environmental design company that enables a better care experience for the medical, dental, and animal health markets. With more than 1,800 teammates worldwide, Midmark focuses on harmonizing clinical space, technology and workflows for caregivers and patients at the point of care.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.
