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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 1 of 1 Research Studies DisplayedAlfred M, Catchpole K, Huffer E
Work systems analysis of sterile processing: decontamination.
This study examined the work of sterile processing departments (SPDs) from a systems perspective. This paper reports the results of a work systems analysis that sought to identify the complex multilevel interdependencies that create performance variation and identify potential improvement interactions. The analysis was conducted at a 700-bed academic hospital with two reprocessing facilities decontaminating approximately 23,000 units each month. Mixed methods, including 56 hours of observations of work was done, as well as formal and informal interviews with relevant stakeholders and analysis of data collected about the system. The authors identified 21 different performance shaping factors, 30 potential failures, 16 types of process variance, and 10 outcome variances in decontamination. Approximately 2% of trays were returned to decontamination from assembly with 1% of surgical cases having decontamination problems.
AHRQ-funded; HS025538.
Citation: Alfred M, Catchpole K, Huffer E .
Work systems analysis of sterile processing: decontamination.
BMJ Qual Saf 2020 Apr;29(4):320-28. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009422..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Prevention, Surgery, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)