[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Optimizing SPD & OR Operations: Strategies for Safer, Smarter Surgical Care
Sterile Processing Departments (SPD) and Operating Rooms (OR) are critical to the success of surgical services in any healthcare facility. Optimizing these environments is essential for improving patient safety, enhancing surgical efficiency, and boosting overall hospital performance.
A well-optimized SPD and OR setup focuses on:
- Streamlining workflows to reduce delays and eliminate bottlenecks
- Enhancing staff training to ensure consistency and compliance
- Implementing smart inventory strategies to manage instruments effectively
- Using data-driven tools to track instrument usage and turnaround times
- Fostering collaboration between SPD and OR teams for seamless coordination
By adopting these best practices, healthcare organizations can reduce infection risks, minimize surgical delays, and create a more resilient and efficient surgical ecosystem.
📊 Industry Snapshot:
- 1 in 4 hospitals experience surgical delays due to SPD-related issues.
- Improperly sterilized instruments remain a leading cause of surgical site infections (SSIs).
- SSIs are the most common preventable complication after surgery, occurring in 2% to 4% of all patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures. 1
- More than 9 million inpatient stays involve surgical procedures each year, accounting for over one-fourth of all hospital stays. 2
- 44 states do not require certification for Sterile Processing staff (however all 50 states require roughly 1500 hours to be a barber).
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Streamlining workflows to eliminate bottlenecks
- Enhancing staff training and onboarding
- Implementing cost-effective instrument inventory strategies
- Leveraging data-driven tracking systems to monitor usage and turnaround times
- Strengthening communication between SPD and OR teams
The result? Fewer delays, reduced infection risks, and better clinical outcomes.
📈 Interim Leadership & Staffing Solutions That Deliver
In 2024, Moab Healthcare was proud to be named one of SIA’s Fastest Growing Staffing Firms. Our flexible staffing and interim leadership services are trusted by hospitals nationwide to fill critical gaps fast.
We deploy certified professionals across roles including:
- SPD leaders, technicians, and educators
- Surgical techs and first assists
- Central supply coordinators and allied health staff
While our goal is to help clients build self-sustaining teams, we’re always ready to step in when needs arise.
🏥 Client Spotlight: University-Based Regional Healthcare System
When the health system brought their SPD operations back in-house, they faced a major staffing shortfall. Moab Healthcare responded immediately by deploying experienced leaders and staff to stabilize operations across the 11-hospital system.
Over 18 months, we:
- Standardized SPD processes
- Built a robust onboarding and education program
- Supported recruitment of permanent staff
Today, the health system operates with fewer than 10 SPD travel staff—a testament to their strengthened internal capabilities and our commitment to long-term success.
Let’s Build the Future of Surgical Excellence Together
Whether you’re looking to optimize your SPD/OR operations or need rapid staffing support, Moab Healthcare is here to help. Let’s connect and explore how we can support your goals.
- Overview of Operating Room Procedures During Inpatient Stays in U.S. Hospitals, 2018 #281. (n.d.). Hcup-Us.ahrq.gov. https://hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb281-Operating-Room-Procedures-During-Hospitalization-2018.jsp
- 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, 2017. (n.d.). Psnet.ahrq.gov. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/issue/centers-disease-control-and-prevention-guideline-prevention-surgical-site-infection-2017
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
