Case Studies
Enhancing Patient Safety: Decreasing the Incidence of Flash Sterilization in Perioperative Services
Flash sterilization the rapid sterilization of items using steam occurs in many operating rooms in the event that surgical instrumentation requiring immediate use becomes contaminated. However, the process is over-utilized, increasing the risk of infection in surgical patients. In the interest of patient safety, the Joint Commission refocused its survey efforts on all of the critical processes included in sterilization. In June 2009, Maimonides Medical Center began a process improvement initiative to decrease and monitor flash sterilization practices. Baseline data were analyzed and opportunities for improvement identified.
Flash sterilization the rapid sterilization of items using steam occurs in many operating rooms in the event that surgical instrumentation requiring immediate use becomes contaminated. However, the process is over-utilized, increasing the risk of infection in surgical patients. In the interest of patient safety, the Joint Commission refocused its survey efforts on all of the critical processes included in sterilization. In June 2009, Maimonides Medical Center began a process improvement initiative to decrease and monitor flash sterilization practices. Baseline data were analyzed and opportunities for improvement identified.