[A refinement of the supply system to reduce instrument packaging re-sterilization rates].

BACKGROUND: Sterilized instrument packages facilitate instrument availability in surgery. However, repeated sterilizations after expiration of disinfection validity results in additional costs. Last year, an average of 2,505 instrument packages were re-sterilized each month due to expiration. Reducing the re-sterilization rate is an issue in terms of cost reduction. OBJECTS: In this study, we tried to decrease the instrument package re-sterilization rate by refining the hospital instrument supply system. The result reduced costs and enhanced patient safety. RESOLUTION: Refinement procedures included staff re-education, changing sterilization and packing methods to extend the validity period, establishing a warning system, periodic examination of demand, and establishing an auditing system. Average numbers of expired packages and sterilization costs were compared pre- and post-study period. RESULTS: The average amount of expired packages fell from 2505/month to 592/month. The expiration rate decreased from 25.7 % to 5.9 %. Costs of re-sterilization decreased from 82,665 NTD per month to 19,536 NTD per month (i.e., a decrease of 63,129 NTD in costs per month). CONCLUSION: Refining the supply system can reduce expiration and re-sterilization rates for instrument packaging, achieving lower costs without sacrificing quality.