Chapter 1

As a result of successfully completing Chapter 1, the student will be able to:

Explain the importance of the Central Service Department with an emphasis on the service provided, and its role in quality patient care.

Review the work flow process in an effectively organized Central Service Department.

Identify basic knowledge and skills required for effective Central Service Technicians.

Define job responsibilities of Central Service Technicians.

Discuss basic concerns of Central Service personnel:Career growth and professional development.Department organization.Compensation.

Central Services are centralized. Reprocessing activities are carried out in one department under one system and set of standards.

Service – Central Service provides assistance with patient care by providing Central Service customers with instruments, equipment, supplies, and utensils.

Central Processing

Central Sterile Supply

Sterile Processing and Distribution

Surgical Supply Processing

…and more.

The scope of service varies between departments, but they all follow the same regulations and guidelines.

Infection Control

Material Support

Decontamination Preparation

Packaging

Sterilization

Sterile Storage

Soiled instruments and equipment is received.

Reusable items are cleaned and decontaminated using manual and mechanical processes.

Decontaminated items are inspected, assembled into sets, packaged, and labeled.

Items are prepared for sterilization and use in this work area.

Single instruments and sets of instruments are packaged in special materials that will provide a bacterial barrier after sterilization.

Several different sterilization methods can be used to completely destroy the microorganisms on items and make them safe for patient use.

Sterile items are placed in carefully controlled storage areas until they are needed.

The ProcessingCycle

IdentifyClean

Assemble

Package

Sterilize Store

Deliver

Use

ReturnInspect

Inspect

InspectInspect

Inspect

Inspect

Inspect

Assess the ability of other people to understand what is being communicated.

Adapt communication tactics to individual needs.

Apply active listening skills using reflection, re-statement, and clarification techniques.

Interact appropriately and respectfully with diverse ethnic, age, cultural, religious, and economic groups.

Communicate in a straightforward, understandable, accurate and timely manner.

Use facility-specific guidelines and methods to send and receive information

Access and use electronically-produced information.

Be aware of the wide range of services offered to customers.

Prevent unnecessary waste and duplication.

Participate in quality improvement activities.

Use resources including other staff members, manuals, and training opportunities.

Maintain appropriate personal skills such as attendance, time management, and assuming responsibility for one’s own actions.

Attain professional conduct standards.

Use analytical skills to solve problems and make decisions.

Formulate solutions to problems using critical thinking skills.

Adapt to changing situations.

Practice personal integrity and honesty.

Engage in continuous self-assessment and goal modification for personal and professional improvement.

Exhibit respectful and empathetic behavior in interactions with peers, superiors, subordinates, and customers.

Listen attentively to verbal instructions, requests, and other information.

Understand various career options and the preparation required for them.

Solve problems relating to legal dilemmas or issues.

Comply with established risk management factors and procedures.

Determine when an incident must be reported.

Maintain confidentiality.

Operate within the required scope of practice.

Follow mandated standards for workplace safety.

Apply mandated standards for harassment, labor, and other employment laws.

Comply with legal requirements for documentation.

Respect patients rights.

Promote justice and equal treatment for all persons.

Recognize the importance of patients’ needs over other considerations.

Exhibit loyalty to fellow workers and the healthcare facility.

Report any activity that adversely affects the health, safety, or welfare of patients, visitors and other workers.

Comply with pertinent regulatory guidelines, including OSHA standards.

Respect interdisciplinary difference among team members.

Differentiate between ethical and legal issues.

Demonstrate professionalism at all times.

Practice infection control procedures.

Use Standard Precautions to control the spread of infection.

Practice appropriate cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing processes.

Apply principles of body mechanics, including proper lifting techniques.

Prevent fire and electrical hazards.

Use instruments and equipment as directed.

Manage hazardous materials.

Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Follow emergency procedures and protocols.

Comply with pertinent regulatory requirements, including OSHA guidelines.

Practice team skills such as cooperation, leadership, and anticipation of co-workers’ needs.

Respect cultural and religious differences of team members.

Interact with others in a manner consistent with the healthcare team’s structure and lines of authority.

Manage conflict within the workplace by considering the points of view of others.

Respect and value the expertise and contributions of all team members.

Accept compromise as necessary to ensure the best outcomes.

Control costs and reduce waste.

Provide quality service.

Practice time management skills.

Identify and solve potential problems and anticipate customers’ needs.

Know and use inventory appropriately.

Practice recycling and waste management skills.

Assist in the selection of materials, supplies and equipment necessary to provide services.

Follow manufacturers’ warnings and instructions, ask for clarification as needed.

Continuously evaluate results and procedures.

Practice techniques to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections.

Maintain departmental work areas in good repair.

Keep the work environment clean and organized.

A sample Central Service Technician Job Description is provided on pages 18-19 of the text.

IHC Urban Central Region Central Processing Department

Technician Progression Plan

CP Technician I Entry Level No Experience

Advancement Goals #1

Learn the following: Surgical Instruments Decontamination Wrapping/Packaging Sterilization OB, ER, Floor Trays Basic Equipment Crash Carts Experience: 6 months Certification: Pass Technician Course Pass IAHCSMM Certification

Exam Expectations: Performs above duties

independently Works proficiently without

direct supervision Train new team members

CP Technician II Advancement Goals #1

Completed Maintain Certification

Advancement Goals #2

Learn the following: Advanced Surgical

Instruments Supply Area & Case Carts Orthopedic Specialty Laparoscopic Specialty Patient Equipment Other Processing

Departments Experience: 6 + 9 = 15 months total experience in CP Expectations: Can function independently

& proficiently in multiple specialties

Subject matter experts in assigned specialty

Train team members

CP Technician III Advancement Goals #2

Completed Maintain Certification

Advancement Goals #3

Learn the following: Advanced Surgical

Instruments Instrument Room General Surgical Core North Core South Core Experience: 6 + 9 + 15 = 30 months total experience in CP Expectations: Support surgical suites as a

resource Anticipate needs of OR team Coordinate surgical needs

between CP & OR Assist with inventory control

and documentation Train team members

CP Technician IV Advancement Goals #3

Completed Maintain Certification Expectations: Continue to learn about CP

& OR Improve proficiency in all

areas Train team members Work in every area of the

department as required

Opportunity

For Advancement

Into Coordinator

& Supervisor Positions

A Professional is a person working in a profession which requires extensive knowledge and skills.

Association and industry recognition given to individuals with educational and/or work

experience requirements who successfully complete an examination process that

demonstrates their knowledge of subject matter to be mastered for success in the

position.

A plan projecting progressively more responsible positions that serves as a foundation for designing a professional development program.

Pages 21 – 23 in the text provide sample Technician Progress Charts and a sample Career Path.

The basic job functions are similar, but hours of operation, department staffing structure, and specific scope of responsibility differ by facility.

Departments are designed to meet the specific healthcare facility’s needs.

Page 24 in the text provide sample organizational charts for a small facility and a large facility.