Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong WK(1), Yu YS(1), Chiu MW(1), Shek ST(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Ophthalmic Operation Theatre, Department of Ophthalmology, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Apart from coping with surgical service growth, nurses in Ophthalmic Operating Theatre have to shoulder the role of reprocessing used instruments which includes decontamination, assembling and packaging before sending to PYNEH for sterilization. This is considered a side task to theatre nurses as compared with patient care while HKEC SSD is more well established and run by staff with related professional knowledge. To deliver more surgeries within constrained existing resources and maintain a high-quality service standard, remodeling of sterile services has to be carried out.
Objectives :
• Enhance the utilization of existing resources and promote the efficiency
of operation service.
• Promote a high-quality service standard on surgery, decontamination and
reprocessing.
Methodology :
• Relocate the TWEH TSSU to HKEC SSD.
• Adjust TWEH TSSU manpower
• Introduce reusable instrument containers and color-coding system.
• Evaluate effectiveness and satisfaction on the remodeling by conducting
staff survey.
Result & Outcome :
1) Benefit: Less manpower in TWEH TSSU
Before 3 nurses, After 1 nurse
2) Benefit: Proper sterile storage environment -
Before: - Improper environmental requirement
- Wooden cabinet (shedding material, prone to moisture)
After: - Comply with AAMI* standard i.e. temperature humidity
ventilation)
- Nonporous plastic mobile shelf
3. Benefit: Decreased frequency on repackaging instrument
Before:Shelf-life: 12 weeks
After: Shelf-life: 24 weeks
4. Benefit: Easier identification and classification of instrument sets
Before:Identical blue non-woven wrapper
After: Color-coding system: different lid color options
available for identification
5. Benefit: Environmental friendly packaging method
Before: Single use non-woven wrapper
After: Reusable aluminum containers
6. Positive nurses’ feedback Overall (>85%):
• More effective and efficient TSSU workflow
• Less time in setting up operation trolley
• Minimized risk of sharp injury
The re-modeling of sterile services achieved a higher operating service efficiencies and maintained a high-quality service standard to encounter the growing service demand using our existing resources.
