Improvement and implementation of central sterile supply department training program based on action research.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to improve and implement the central sterile supply department (CSSD) training program through action research and to evaluate its effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The project was underpinned by action research. The problems that occurred in training were identified following scenario analysis, interviews, group discussions, and expert consultation to develop improvement measures. The training program characterized by CSSD was developed in the spiral circular process of "Plan-Act-Observe-Reflect". RESULTS: After the two rounds of training, the CSSD nurses significantly improved their professional knowledge, skills, and satisfaction with training compared with those before improvement. The nurses' overall satisfaction with the training and their performance improved. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the training program designed based on action research can improve CSSD nurses' professional knowledge and skills and increase their enthusiasm for learning, laying the foundation for CSSD talent development.

An action research study of quality improvement in instrument packaging procedures for the central sterile supply department.

This study aimed to reduce instrument packaging defects in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) using action research. Data of the instrument packs packaged by the packaging personnel at the CSSD of the authors' institution during March to May 2023 were collected and analyzed. After identifying the problems, 2 rounds of cyclic process of "plan-action-observe-reflect" were implemented to standardize the packaging procedures and develop and improve the applicable check of standard operating procedures for the CSSD. After strictly implementing the packaging operation standards and checklists, the number of packaging defect cases dropped from 274 to 41. A significant difference was identified between the number of packaging personnel who achieved a "pass" in the assessment of 3 items for maintenance. Also, 1 item for assembly had significant differences compared with the baseline number after the first cycle (P ≤ 0.001). A significant difference was identified between the number of packaging personnel who achieved a "pass" in the assessment of 20 items for 6 components after the second cycle compared with that after the first cycle (P ≤ 0.05). Through action research methodology, strict implementation of standardized packaging procedures in the CSSD can reduce packaging defects, thereby decreasing clinical complaints and ensuring patient safety.

A FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model for reducing the distribution defect rate of sterile packages.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the application of the FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model in terms of reducing the distribution defect rate of the sterile packages processed by the CSSD. The FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model was applied to analyze the causes of the distribution defects of sterile packages, develop improvement measures, and compare the distribution defect rates before and after the application of the FOCUS-PDCA model. Following implementation of the FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model, the distribution defect rate of sterile packages decreased from 1.74 to 0.37% (P < 0.05). The FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model can produce a substantial reduction in the distribution defect rate of sterile packages, ensuring the quality of sterile supplies.

Factors affecting implementation and pass rates of surgical instrument moistening.

BACKGROUND: Moistening of surgical instruments affects the quality of instrument cleaning, thereby affecting the degree of cross-contamination and in-hospital infection among patients. Surgical instruments should be kept moist immediately after use in order to avoid concentrations of contamination remaining on surgical instrument surfaces. Implementation and pass rates of surgical instrument moistening have been rarely studied. We aimed to investigate the factors affecting implementation and pass rates of surgical instrument moistening. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate surgical instrument moistening procedures within 22 clinical departments of the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University over 122 days between September and December 2019. We collected data from departmental staff using an interviewer-administrated questionnaire. Data about implementation and pass rates of surgical instrument moistening was analyzed in SPSS20.0. RESULTS: Implementation and pass rates of surgical instrument moistening were 57.25% and 31.98%, respectively. Factor analysis showed that implementation rates of moistening were affected by instrument structure (X2 = 143.670; P = 0.001), the number of instruments inside the pack (X2 = 140.135; P = 0.001), and the person responsible for keeping surgical instruments moist (X2 = 8.052; P = 0.005). Correlation analysis showed that instrument structure and the number of instruments inside the pack were negatively correlated with implementation rates of moistening. The more complex the structure and the greater the number of the instruments inside the pack, the lower implementation rates of moistening. CONCLUSION: Implementation and pass rates of surgical instrument moistening were low, and failed to meet the central sterile supply department applicable industrial standard, hence the potential risk of hospital-acquired infection was considerable. Staff that manipulate reusable surgical instruments should be trained to properly moisten the instruments and institutional protocols should be established to ensure standardization and respect of guidelines.