Beyond Clean Podcast

In this episode Bob discusses the frustration surrounding PPE shortages and asks the necessary question -- what are we going to do to prevent this in the future? Tune in as Bob #getsreal about this important topic. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

There are things that people do well and things that machines do well. By combining those two, we get the optimal result of a collaboration between humans and machines. Parts of the average Sterile Processing Department already include some kind of automation. But what about all those other dangerous, boring, or overly complex tasks that Sterile Processing technicians struggle to complete on a daily basis? The technology that helps us solve those challenges already exists and on this week's release of the Vendor Spotlight Series we talk with Braun Kiess, Co-Founder and Chief Sales and Finance Officer of RST Automation, about the AIM Tray Assembly and AIM Peel Pack Systems. These systems are changing the way Sterile Processing Departments are utilizing technology to improve quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Can humans collaborate with technology? They can and should! Listen now to find out why. Contact RST Automation by e-mailing [email protected], follow RST Automation on LinkedIn and Facebook and visit www.rstautomation.com to learn more. #ReadyAIMAutomate #RSTAutomation #AIMTrayAssembly #AIMPeelPack #RST #VendorSpotlight #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

If you have been leading your team, you're comfortable speaking in front of a group, and you have information to share that will help reshape the industry in small or large ways, then it may be time to take the next step into the world of public speaking and showcase your knowledge in a larger setting! Join Lindsay for this #GrowthSpurt on becoming a dynamic speaker and learn easy ways to impact your audiences of all sizes. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Moment of truth here: Do you have any rusty instruments in your surgical trays? No, let's be honest. And if you have seen rusty instruments, what is stopping you from taking them out? On this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank brings the skeleton out of the Sterile Processing closet and gives an argument for transparency that will better protect our patients and guard our facilities against liability. Recent research has shown large percentages of surgical inventory in the US is sub-quality and not fit for use -- and yet, they are being used on patients every single day. Tune in and let's talk about what it's gonna take to get it fixed. #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

On this week's episode, Bob talks about that inevitable day when surgical volumes increase due to elective surgeries coming back on the books. Bob shares practical ways that you can get your Sterile Processing department prepared to run smoothly and efficiently. Tune in now and make sure your SPD team is #ReadytoRock! Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

We can control what we say and how we say it but, as it turns out, our audience will pay more attention to the "how" than the "what". This is the second episode in a series on communication and public speaking. Join Lindsay Brown for this #growthspurt focused on the important role of non-verbal communication. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

When you hear the word "research" what comes to mind? Cure for cancer? New sources of renewable energy? How about better ways of decontaminating surgical instrumentation or data-driven programs for educating new technicians so that they not only enjoy the job but stay in the industry for decades? On this episode of the Beyond Clean Podcast, we sit down with Lisa McKown, DrPHc, MBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, MBTI (Manager, Research & Development at Beyond Clean) to discuss the critical need for more research into the Sterile Processing field, and get to the heart of how further study can change our industry for the better. Tune in for this unique conversation around writing, the challenges of perfectionism, and how she is researching ways to keep pushing our Sterile Processing departments forward. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #Research #Writing #Study #Sharing #Data #Improvement #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

Is that presentation CE approved? How many continuing education credits is it worth? Why on earth are these the first questions for so many of us in the Sterile Processing industry when confronted with education options? If all the potential industry education in the world were poured into the ocean, the portion that was CE-approved would fill up a shot glass. On this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank hops up on one of his favorite soap boxes and lays out an argument for thinking bigger than any approval board, and pushing yourself to pursue education for the sake of learning, while looking at CE approval like the cherry on top instead of the whole education package. Tune in and let him know what YOU think. #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Why does it matter that patients in the OR waiting room know the name "Sterile Processing" and have an idea of how our teams contribute to their safe surgery? How can our industry tell our story in a way that opens the public's eyes to the invaluable role we play in healthcare? On this episode of the Beyond Clean podcast, we sit down with the director & producers of "Beyond the Tour," brothers Aaron & Christian Ankrum, to talk about the power of story telling to change hearts and minds, and provide a roadmap for changing an entire global industry. Tune in for this unique conversation that raises critical points around creativity, passion, and purpose in our corner of the healthcare universe. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #Film #Media #Production #Recognition #StoryTelling #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

On this week's episode, Bob touches on the valuable improvements that can be made to instrument sets in a proactive manner rather than a reactive one and stresses the importance of #InstrumentQuality for every department in the hospital. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Scientists, engineers, and manufacturers across the globe are racing to find answers to the challenges facing endoscope reprocessing in the 21st century. But are there differences in how these issues are being addressed depending on which country is making the standards? How have various infectious outbreaks impacted these discussions in Europe & the United States? On this episode of the Beyond Clean podcast, we invited Nick Bromiley, AGTS, CFER, CSPDT, ARIA, Clinical Training Specialist at Ambu USA to weigh in on these conversations and provide insight as both a trainer and technical specialist in endoscope reprocessing. Tune in for one of our favorite themes on our podcast -- the science of reprocessing & the reality that microorganisms don't care about geographical boundaries. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #Endoscopes #GIScope #EU #US #Standards #Science #Endoscopy #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

In a perfect world, vendors and manufacturers would consult with both Sterile Processing and Operating Room professionals as they build their products. This would ensure that any products put in place would help solve the chaotic nature of these departments rather than add to it. What if you were to learn that there is a solution that has taken this approach? A solution that turns chaos into consistency. On this week's release of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series, we speak with Chris Stewart and Jeff Wertz from Surgio Health about their tray tracking system that addresses everything from communication and visibility to the data that you need as a department leader to finally explain things like why cases are being delayed or why you're succeeding in reducing SSI rates in a particular service line. Tune in now to learn more about a system that creates alignment and consistent expectations for vendors and hospital departments alike, so everyone is more comfortable going into those busy loaner days. Follow Surgio Health on LinkedIn and find out additional information at www.surgio.com/beyondclean.

By nature of working in healthcare, experiencing a crisis in some form is inevitable. When you're called to lead, there are a few things to consider. Join Lindsay for today's #GrowthSpurt to learn about ways you can communicate through times of crisis and exemplify true leadership. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Few topics are as debated in Sterile Processing circles today as the topic of "event related sterility" and packaging shelf life. If packaging has a shelf life listed in the IFU, do you have to follow it -- or can hospitals decide to do their own thing? Does an extended period of storage constitute an "event"? How do manufacturers determine shelf life in the first place? The questions are endless, but on this week's episode of the Beyond Clean podcast we bring the dynamic duo of Jennifer Benolken and Malinda Elammari onto the show to start setting the record straight on some of the issues that confuse department personnel and accreditation surveyors alike. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #ShelfLife #EventRelated #Storage #SterileStorage #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

There are three different instructions for use that need to be considered when preparing a medical device for sterilization: the sterilizer, the medical device itself, and the packaging system. The FDA requires that medical devices be tested in just one type of packaging system and on this week's release of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series, we speak with Barbara Ann Harmer about the maze that is instructions for use to help people understand which IFUs to use under which circumstances. How do validation and user verification work together to help you make the right decision and focus on best practices that result in patient safety? If you've ever debated this issue in your department, you're not going to want to miss this Vendor Spotlight episode so tune in now! Learn more by visiting www.onetray.com, e-mail them at [email protected] and look for educational information and ask questions directly on LinkedIn and Facebook. #VendorSpotlight #InstructionsForUse #MedicalDevice #PackagingSystem #Sterilization #Validation #Verification #ONETRAY #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

How do you respond to hospital administrators or surgical leaders who brush aside your Sterile Processing requests or recommendations because your facility has "low surgical site infection (SSI) rates"? Is this a helpful measurement when department leaders are still voicing equipment, staffing, and other resource concerns? In this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank lays out a challenge for anyone trying to deny your department requests based on SSI rates alone. Tune in for some talking points for your next heart to heart with your surgical leaders, and be encouraged to stand your ground if you know your current processes aren't safe. #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Sterile Processing technicians have been on the frontlines of the fight against viruses long before anyone ever heard of COVID-19. In fact, there are many types of dangerous viruses that our teams can and do encounter on a daily basis, and our departments have to be prepared to kill them all. On this episode of the Beyond Clean podcast, we bring back an audience favorite, Wava Truscott, PhD to delve into the details of virus-ology and give us a quick lesson on these submicroscopic infectious agents. Tune in for her crash course on understanding viruses and learn what your team can do to ensure these dangerous bugs never make it out of your departments alive. For access to this CE quiz and over 300 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: http://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #InfectionPrevention #Virus #Viruses #Microbiology #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

When someone asks if storage is an issue for your Sterile Processing department, what is your first response…to roll your eyes perhaps? But what if looking up…is the ticket? Let's face it, the need for space in Sterile Processing is an issue for many healthcare facilities and the implications of not having enough storage to keep up with the demand of the OR means potential revenue lost. On this episode of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series we talk with Amy Flynn, North American OR/CS Market Manager for Hänel Storage Systems about the lessons learned from other industries in using vertical space to combat the storage issues that come with adding new procedures and equipment. The vertical storage carousel technology that has benefited countless industries is available to help decrease the time it takes to pick a case cart, integrate with tracking systems to give real-time inventory data, protect the staff in your department from an ergonomic perspective, and ultimately make better use of what little storage space is available. It's time to look up and tune in to learn more. Learn more about Hänel Storage Systems by visiting www.hanel.us. Follow Hänel Storage Systems on LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also e-mail the Hänel Storage Systems team at [email protected]. Download case studies and white papers at www.sterilestorage.com. #Hänel #Rotomat #StorageCarousel #SterileStorage #LookUp #VerticalStorage #Industry #Workflow #Ergonomics #CaseCarts #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

On this week's episode, Bob discusses Sterile Processing professionals' impact on infections. Bob hops on his favorite soapbox to discuss how important it is that Sterile Processing departments have the resources they need and gives a call to action to start a #SterileProcessingRevolution. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

On this episode of the Beyond Clean podcast, we dust off that library in your manager's office to take a look at a one particular document you may have never cracked open before - ANSI/AAMI ST58:2013 (Chemical Sterilization and High-Level Disinfection in Health Care Facilities). To help us with this little exploration into the pages of recommended practices, we invited Janet Prust, Director of Standards and Global Business Development at 3M Health Care. Don't miss this opportunity to get an important overview of the topics covered in ST58 and gain insight into the world of high-level disinfection from one of the leading subject matter experts in the field. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #InfectionPrevention #ANSI #AAMI #ST58 #HLD #ChemicalSterilization #Quality #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

Did you know that you don't have to be a "speaker" to present valuable information? Join Lindsay for today's #GrowthSpurt to learn about simple ways you can communicate process improvements and department successes without having to speak in front of an audience. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

One may be the "loneliest number" in the lyrics of the classic rock band Three Dog Night, but zero is the number Sterile Processing professionals love to see in their departments. In particular, zero is the ultimate goal for teams seeking to reduce their hospital's Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) rate. On this episode of the Beyond Clean podcast (with new 1 CE approval!), we sat down with Jason Pacino, CRCST, Sterile Processing Operations Manager at Highland Hospital of Rochester NY to discuss why his team focused on this metric, and how they got to that magic number as a hospital. Tune in for his modern-day success story, and ideas for how your Sterile Processing team could one day close your IUSS autoclaves for good! For access to this CE quiz and over 300 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: http://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #InfectionPrevention #IUSS #ImmediateUse #Flash #Metrics #Quality #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

How many of you have ever read a brushing IFU for one of your instruments and wondered to yourself, "Who spends 60 seconds actually doing nothing by brushing the distal tip of this device?" Out of all the steps that could be skipped or short-circuited during manual cleaning, brushing is the most likely offender. We see it on a regular basis during onsite assessments, and if you have spent any time in an Endo or SPD department, you have likely seen non-compliant brushing as well. On this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank gives a simple but hugely important encouragement: Don't rush the brush. Tune in and don't forget that every swipe of a bristle says "safety"... #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

All for one and one for all isn't just a slogan for the growing number of centralized reprocessing centers in the United States. More and more Sterile Processing leaders and technicians are experiencing the pressures of growing surgical volume, limited space, and health systems looking for more standardization. On this premiere episode of Season 9 of Beyond Clean, we talk with Lori Ferrer, BS, CST, CRCST, the Director of the Central Processing Center at Fairview Health about the growing trends of the centralization of Sterile Processing services in the US and discuss how & why her team received national recognition for their department in 2020. Tune in for her insights on their journey and encouragement for how to further engage surgeons and administrators on the critical work your reprocessing teams are doing every day. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #CEs #InfectionPrevention #Collaboration #Centralization #Leadership #Teamwork #Awards #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast

On this week's episode, Bob dives into the topic of finding answers (right or wrong) through social media groups. What are the critical things to consider when crowdsourcing information that you need to do your job? Tune in for more clinical education and training around #SterileProcessingSocialMedia. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

As the backbone of most Sterile Processing workflows around the globe, steam sterilization is a massively important topic. And yet there are still pervasive misunderstandings across the industry regarding how and why our autoclaves should be tested, and just as importantly, when it is necessary to validate their performance. In addition to proper loading and use, a number of other aspects of care and maintenance go into ensuring these devices operate at maximum safety and efficiency. On this re-release episode from Season 3 of Beyond Clean, we talked to Joel Schafer about the science of steam sterilization and take you #BeyondSteam. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #WeFightDirty #BeyondClean #Joel Schafer #Podcast #SurgeryStartsHere #SterileProcessing #Hospitals #MedicalDevice #Steam #Sterilization #CEs

Laughter is the best medicine and brings with it a host of business benefits that can benefit your staff and your department. Join Lindsay for today's #GrowthSpurt to learn about simple ways you can ease the stress that comes with performing critical, life-saving tasks in Sterile Processing. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Few materials in the world have come to define a Sterile Processing professional more than stainless steel. We are literally surrounded by it – our sinks are composed of it, our washers are encased by it, our assembly tables are covered with it, and yes – 99% of the tools of our trade are manufactured from it. And yet, even with this daily familiarity with stainless steel instrumentation, there are still many things not known or misunderstood about this marvelous metal. On this re-release episode from Season 3 of Beyond Clean, we asked Daniel Coole everything you ever wanted to know about stainless steel and start answering some of these important questions. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #WeFightDirty #BeyondClean #DanielCoole #Podcast #SurgeryStartsHere #SterileProcessing #Hospitals #MedicalDevice #Stainless #Steel #CEs #SurgicalInstruments

The words 'biofilm' and 'disinfection' are commonly used in Sterile Processing departments, but did you know these terms are also applicable when talking about your hospital's HVAC system? In the healthcare setting, we often take for granted the air around us. We cannot see it, but we know it's there and it has the ability to carry dangerous microorganisms with it from room to room and floor to floor throughout the hospital. On this episode of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series we talk with Pat Leach, Business Development Manager at Alfa Laval, about the system that acts as the lungs of the hospital--conditioning, cleaning and carrying air to occupants throughout the building. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is capable of allowing biofilms living inside of it to survive, thrive and be carried throughout the hospital. Pat Leach discusses an HVAC technology that combines Liquid desiccant solution dehumidification and Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to disinfect the air, remove pathogens in the air stream, and ensure that the air we breathe is helping rather than hurting healthcare workers and the patients we serve. Tune in now for this discussion! Learn more about Alfa Laval by visiting www.alfalaval.us/pureair. Follow Alfa Laval on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. You can also e-mail Pat Leach for more information at [email protected] or call 716-259-0772. #LungsOfTheHospital #AlfaLaval #AirDisinfection #UVGI #Biofilm #AC #Humidity #Temperature #HAI #Hospital #AirQuality #Safety #InfectionControl #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

How did two guys who had never met, living on opposite sides of the country create a podcast what would take the Sterile Processing industry by storm in the summer of 2017? It had a lot to do with timing, a little to do with Linkedin, a good dose of bravery, and a whole lot of passion to provide a bigger platform for the kinds of conversations that matter to the medical device reprocessing industry. On this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank (finally) gets Justin to join him in the studio for the first time ever to talk about the beginnings of Beyond Clean, how it all came together, and why they think even bigger things are coming in 2020. Tune in and get inspired to be brave & do big things! #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Can you account for every implant screw and plating system within the four walls of your hospital? Can your Sterile Processing team efficiently and correctly validate, restock, and reorder consignment inventory? Or are you like the majority of facilities in the industry who are still struggling with tracking, billing, and inventorying these high dollar headaches? On this re-release episode of the Beyond Clean Podcast, we put the screws to Phil Sayles about the coming digitalization of surgical implant management and what it means for vendors, supply chain, sterile processing, and perioperative staff. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #WeFightDirty #BeyondClean #PhilSayles #Podcast #SurgeryStartsHere #SterileProcessing #Hospitals #MedicalDevice #Surgical #Implant #Inventory #CEUs

TEE probe cleaning and handling is a hot topic of conversation, especially as more and more Sterile Processing professionals continue to reach out to clinics to standardize and automate the reprocessing of these devices. Decreasing the manual effort also decreases the manual error and on this episode of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series we speak with Kendall Ashe, VP and General Manager of CS Medical about a solution for creating a safer and more efficient reprocessing and use cycle of TEE probes. From cleaning and disinfecting to storage and transportation, the ROI on these products is clear. How you take care of your equipment has a large impact on your repair budget and we learn more about the TEEClean® Automated TEE Probe Cleaner Disinfector, CleanShield® TEE Probe Storage Cabinet, and TPorter® TEE Probe Procedure Case which offer risk mitigation associated with reprocessing TEE probes. Tune in now! Find out more about CS Medical TEE Complete Care suite of products, download white papers about the relationship between cleaning and HLD, experience live product demos, and more by visiting www.TEEcompletecare.com. #CSMedical #TEECompleteCare #CompleteProbeReprocessing #TransesophagealEchocardiogram #TEE #Cleaning #Disinfection #Storage #Transportation #TEEClean #CleanShield #TPorter #InfectionControl #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

On this week's episode, Bob continues his series on the sterilization process and talks specifically about the critical components of sterile storage. What are the things to consider to ensure sterility after the sterilization cycle is complete and before the tray is brought into the OR? Tune in for more clinical education and training around #SuccessfulSterilizationCycles. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

Are your ATP tests measuring what you think they are measuring? What is the real relationship between residual protein, dangerous bugs, and our mission to #FightDirty in our departments? For this re-release episode of Season 3 of the Beyond Clean podcast, we discussed these questions and more with Dr. Christine Greene, Senior Scientific Consultant & Regulatory Microbiologist at TSG Consulting. In this episode, Dr. Greene gives us her perspective on the use and potential short-comings of ATP testing in the healthcare setting, along with commentary around alternative approaches for cleaning verification. CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #ATP #Protein #Testing #Cleaning #Culturing #BeyondClean #SurgeryStartsHere #WeFightDirty #OperatingRoom #Collaboration #Safety #Quality #SterileProcessing #Science #Research

In the healthcare setting, air matters. Humidity control is challenging, risky, and has big implications on patient safety and air quality is at the forefront of discussion as we seek more and more research on the aerosolization of viruses. On this episode of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series we talk with Jim Johnston and Jim Meacham, Principles at Altaire Systems, about their ADAPT line of products—tailor-made for healthcare facilities struggling with humidity related issues like mold, mildew, and other unhealthy conditions in critical environments throughout the healthcare facility. We discuss their modular solution that complements and supports your current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is simple, cost-effective, and can support your facility's green initiatives as well. Is there a way to properly take humidity out of the air and promote clean healthy air throughout your healthcare facility? There is. Tune in now to learn how! Visit Altaire Systems online at www.altairesystems.com or contact Jim Johnston at [email protected] or Jim Meacham at [email protected] for specific questions and information. AC #Humidity #Temperature #AirQuality #Safety #AltaireSystems #ADAPT InfectionControl #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

Someday you may be asked to speak in front of your coworkers or members of another hospital department or even your peers at a conference. This is the first in a series of episodes about communication and public speaking. Join Lindsay for today's #GrowthSpurt on reading the room. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™

There is one theme that shows up in nearly EVERY surgical instrument quality breakdown headline to come out in recent years. That reoccurring theme is a lack of point-of-use cleaning in the OR and the many implications this oversight has on a Sterile Processing team's ability to #FightDirty with any success. For the first episode of Season 3, we bring on Lisa Wakeman, Sterile Processing Education and Quality Coordinator for the Indianapolis Suburban Region of IU Health Network, to discuss point-of-use cleaning and perioperative collaboration. Important Links: Read Lisa's Position Statement On Point Of Use CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub Click To Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify. #PointOfUse #BeyondClean #SurgeryStartsHere #WeAreSPD #OperatingRoom #Collaboration #Safety #Quality #BestPractice #SterileProcessing #SurgicalInstruments #Hospital

If someone told you there is a way to process a total knee set in 1 hour 23 minutes vs. 4 hours and 7 minutes, would you hesitate? The tune of the conversation in healthcare has changed to that of resuming elective surgeries post-COVID and finding efficiencies is the only way to keep up with the increasing case load. What are the products that can help surgery centers and hospitals with both efficiency and safety? On this week's release of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series, we talk to Chuck Kemp, President of Education for Innovative Sterilization Technologies about how the ONE TRAY® Sealed Sterilization Containers and EZ-TRAX™- a fully customizable way to consolidate your trays - can speed up processes, maintain patient safety measures, and get the OR and surgeons what they need when they need it at a pace necessary to meet the demand. It is said that an OR minute costs $150/minute. How much could your OR be saving with this system? Tune in now to find out. Learn more by visiting www.onetray.com, e-mail them at [email protected] and look for educational information and ask questions directly on LinkedIn and Facebook. #VendorSpotlight #Efficiency #Consolidation #Safety #ONETRAY #EZTRAX #PostCOVID #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

How do you get your Sterile Processing department's successes, updates, and requests in front of your hospital CEO, CNO, CFO, surgeons, Operating Room leadership, nurses, surgical technicians, and SPD staff? On this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank talks about how to leverage the power of a department newsletter to shine a much needed spotlight on all the hard work your team is doing keeping patients safe in your hospital. You and your team are doing amazing things, you deserve to get some attention for it. Tune in for some insight and ideas on how to get your message in print! #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

Often times the most obvious ways to improve are the hardest to see. That's why teams of all sizes, in all industries, can benefit from an outside perspective. On this week's episode, Hank and Justin speak with longtime perioperative consultant, Paul Wafer, about the importance of efficiency and communication within a surgical service team. Paul's unique approach has benefited thousands of hospital and surgery center teams through enacting simple changes that increase case accuracy and flow, ultimately providing a cohesive toolkit for Sterile Processing staff success. By increasing intentional communication and accountability between sterile processing and perioperative staff, Paul brings proven tactics that the entire industry can benefit from. Tune in to this insightful interview with one of the field's leading minds on such a critical issue so many of us face! This episode is approved for 1 CE, so once you finish this interview, you can download your CE certificate immediately by passing the short quiz linked below. For access to this CE quiz and over 250 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #OperatingRoom #Perioperative #Collaboration #Communication #Accountability #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast #Season8 #Rewind

On this week's episode, Bob continues his series on the sterilization process and talks specifically about unloading the sterilizer. What are the critical things to consider to ensure sterility from the moment you crack that sterilizer door? Tune in for more clinical education and training around #SuccessfulSterilizationCycles. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

The mission of Sterile Processing is not one that can be accomplished alone. We need people throughout our healthcare facilities to back us, to support us, and to help make the case for improvements throughout surgical services--especially Sterile Processing. On this episode, we talked with Melissa Morgan about the importance of Infection Prevention understanding the detailed work and the level of importance in Sterile Processing. Melissa gives an account of her journey from paramedic to nurse to Infection Preventionist and talks with us about what led her to learning about the Sterile Processing department. Infection Prevention can advocate for Sterile Processing and Melissa paints a picture of a collaborative and positive relationship that many Sterile Processing departments can use as a template for improving their connection with Infection Preventionists in your facilities. We think you'll appreciate this interview about learning how to fight dirty together! This episode is approved for 1 CE, so once you finish this interview, you can download your CE certificate immediately by passing the short quiz linked below. For access to this CE quiz and over 250 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Collaboration #InstrumentDetective #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast #Season8 #Rewind

Do you have questions about N95 mask reprocessing in your Sterile Processing department? Things like, "Why is cellulose such a big deal when seeking to reprocess certain masks in certain ways?" "Is there such a thing as "cleaning" a mask prior to reprocessing?" Well, we've got answers. On this bonus episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Janet Prust, Global Standards Director for 3M Medical Solutions Division to help us answer many of these questions and give critical insights into upholding best practices during times of growing external pressure. Tune in for this important conversation and consider sharing with other Sterile Processing professionals who may benefit from the content.

In this episode, Lindsay talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will encourage you, support you and help you grow as a professional. Join her for today's #GrowthSpurt on curating meaningful connections. Have a question or comment for Linds? Email her at: [email protected] #GrowthSpurt #LindsayBrown #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

The Emergency Department has a unique set of needs when it comes to instrumentation. The quality of instruments in kits used in the ER can vary greatly -- a common pain point for physicians working in this department at many hospitals. On this week's episode we talked with Dr. Patrick O'Malley, who has focused much of his time on researching reusable vs. disposable instruments and the frequent pain points that come with specific instruments common to the Emergency Department. Dr. O'Malley focuses on laceration repairs which can be compared to plastic surgery in the ER and he talks about the impact of instrument quality on the perception of effectiveness from a clinician's perspective. This is one you're not going to want to miss. Hope you can join us! This episode is approved for 1 CE, so once you finish this interview, you can download your CE certificate immediately by passing the short quiz linked below. For access to this CE quiz and over 250 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #EmergencyDepartment #ER #InstrumentQuality #LacerationRepair #Instruments #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast #Season8 #Rewind

On this release of the Beyond Clean "COVID-19 Impact Series", we speak with Kate Lee, a director of Surgical Services in Florida and active Navy Reservist who was deployed to the frontline of COVID-19 in New York City. As the global voice of Sterile Processing we want to provide an outlet and conduit for frontline information and best practices to be exchanged as quickly and easily as possible during this pandemic. To meet this need, Beyond Clean has opened up an ANONYMOUS voicemail hotline and SKYPE account for Sterile Processing professionals to give our global audience an update on how COVID-19 is impacting their hospitals and SPD/CSSD departments. To provide the most helpful insight, we only require that you give us your: 1) Country, region, or state, and 2) Specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to your SPD/CSSD workflow, staffing, supplies, etc. If you would like to give us your name and have approval to go "on the record" we can do that as well. There are two options to access our voicemail hotline: USA: +1 (484) 713-9260 International & USA: Beyond Clean (on SKYPE) Stay tuned to our podcast feed and social media accounts for update releases in the coming days. And stay safe out there! #COVID19 #ImpactSeries #VoicesFromTheFrontlines #SPD #CSSD #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #Hotline #Updates

If you want to light a fuse under a Sterile Processing technician, call them a "glorified dishwasher." Few things seem to get under our skin quicker than this one phrase that has been weaponized by frustrated healthcare workers who don't value how CRITICAL we actually are to patient care, and how complex our jobs really can be. However, on this episode of Fighting Dirty, Hank pushes back against our immediate response in a way that every SPD professional should listen to and take to heart. This is about more than just defending the importance of our work. It's about winning the war for true dignity & respect for every hospital team. #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

As we age, we lose our visual acuity and this could have serious impacts on the instrument inspection process in Sterile Processing departments. Enhanced visual inspection is being talked about more and more-- and for good reason. On this episode we talk with Cory Hanosh, President and Founder of Northstate Vision Technology to discuss the critical need for technology that sets our inspection process up for success. Cory talks about the risk of missing early warning signs of instrument defects and also gives his own recommendation on how SPD leaders can approach their administrators to gain access to purchasing dollars for enhanced visual inspection tools. Tune in now to get a clear look at visual inspection technology. This episode is approved for 1 CE, so once you finish this interview, you can download your CE certificate immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. For access to this CE quiz and over 250 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #VisualInspection #Borescope #Inspection #Equipment #Instruments #Endoscopes #Endoscopy #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast #Season8 #Rewind

On this week's episode, Bob breaks down the sterilization process and talks specifically about load preparation as it pertains to peel packs, wrapped trays and rigid containers. Tune in for more clinical education and training around #SuccessfulSterilizationCycles. Have a question for Bob? Email him at: [email protected] #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

If you were given the opportunity to make a significant impact on the sustainability of the Sterile Processing industry as a profession, would you take it? Sterile Processing is a high-risk, high-stress, and high-tech industry. In many facilities it isn't sufficiently supported financially, in terms of safety, and also in terms of education-based career ladders and on this week's episode we talk with Dr. Peter Nichol who is spearheading a research project that could change the way this industry is supported. Studies show that the amount of waste that comes from SPD is in the billions. Dr. Nichol gives equations that can help determine waste in your department and gives a call-to-action to be an active part of the necessary improvements for the industry as a whole. The issues that exist (high-turnover, reprocessing waste, case delays, etc.) are fixable if we pool our resources together toward forward progress. Tune in now to learn how you can be a part of the solution! CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SterileProcessing #Salaries #Compensation #Training #Equipment #Resources #Survey #Safety #Staffing #Surgery #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Podcast