PROCESS THIS!, a Podcast by HSPA

In our 101st episode, host Jon Wood reviews the most recent articles found in HSPA’s PROCESS magazine related to water quality. Specifically, he explores the article, “A Leader’s Guide to Understanding and Following ST108,” authored by Marie Brewer, and key aspects of “Guarding the Gateway: Ensuring Water-Related Safety and Quality in Sterile Processing,” by Norm Thompson. Earn CE Now

In our 100th episode, host Jon Wood revisits 10 must-hear segments from a variety of HSPA interviews conducted in 2023. Some of these discussions include surgical instruments and IFU, a PPE “arsenal” found at a VA hospital, and English as a second language in Sterile Processing. These conversations and more are discussed in this, one-hour special podcast. Earn CE Now

In episode 99, host Jon Wood speaks with Sue Klacik and Terra Kremer about how time, temperature and humidity affect soil drying on medical devices. They also address challenges associated with weather conditions and the transporting of soiled instruments to Sterile Processing areas. Earn CE Now

In episode 98, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA President, Monique Jelks, about her journey into Sterile Processing (SP), her passion for problem solving, process improvement and supporting fellow SP professionals—and how they helped lead her to become President of the HSPA Board of Directors.   Earn CE Now

In episode 97, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN’s Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist, Amber Wood, about the AORN guidelines writing process and the documents’ relevance to Sterile Processing (SP) practices. Amber also addresses how others can become involved in the AORN guideline-writing process. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 96, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Clinical Educator, Sue Klacik, who has served on the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s (AAMI’s) standard committees for many years. She shares her unique insights about the importance of AAMI standards and their critical roles in ensuring best practices and appropriate processes are followed to promote patient safety and positive outcomes.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 95, host Jon Wood discusses pasteurization and its role in Sterile Processing with HSPA’s guests, Richard Radford and Ann Hewitt of Cenorin. Radford and Hewitt discuss the history of thermal disinfection—and how the process that was originally applied to the food industry has been adopted by the healthcare industry. Specifically, they discuss the benefits and application of using water and heat over toxic chemicals when disinfecting instruments.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 94, host Jon Wood discusses water and steam issues with Dr. Jonathan Wilder. From wet loads to extended dry time, Wilder explains the causes, effects and potential solutions for these challenging and dangerous situations. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 93, host Jon Wood follows-up on Process This! episode 92 where he discussed borescopes with Andrew Sundet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Clarus Medical. Joining Wood and Sundet for this episode is Ehren Arndt, Head of Customer Success and Partner Solutions who shares an exceptional step forward in the usage of borescopes—the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 92, host Jon Wood discusses borescopes with Andrew Sundet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Clarus Medical. Sundet has a passion for borescopes and their use in the healthcare setting. He details the necessary set-up and inspection processes as well as the frequency that borescope inspections should be performed, how the processes should be documented, and ways to engage stakeholders in the process. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 91, host Jon Wood speaks with Marie Brewer to discuss her role in the decontamination splash study performed at her facility with Ofstead & Associates. The startling findings generated by the study reinforce the need for adequate personal protective equipment and the implementation of other controls to improve employee safety. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 90, host Jon Wood discusses English as a second language (ESL) in Sterile Processing (SP) with Angie Holland. She reveals the critical need for English proficiency in SP and steps leaders, educators and co-workers can take to work more effectively alongside their ESL peers. Holland also discussed the benefits of establishing an ESL program for the department. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 89, host Jon Wood speaks with Adam Okada, Clinical Education Specialist at Healthmark Industries. Okada discusses his passion: helping to improve patient care quality by giving Sterile Processing (SP) technicians greater access to education. He shares his thoughts about the common problems associated with SP training and how these issues can be reevaluated and improved. Okada also discusses some healthy habits practiced by quality-focused technicians. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 88, host Jon Wood speaks with Brian Flannigan, Principal and subject matter expert for non-potable water system safety and efficiency for Phigenics LLC, about the upcoming standard, AAMI ST108 Water for the processing of medical devices. Flannigan discusses best practices for water testing and how to meet the recommended critical utility water requirements.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 87, host Jon Wood speaks with Healthmark Senior Clinical Education Specialist Cheron Rojo about his newest study on insulation testing and patient safety. Rojo reviews insulation testers capabilities, features and challenges, and addresses how technique and common damage identification—such as patterns, holes and other damage—are key to effective insulation testing. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 86, host Jon Wood speaks with Case Medical Clinical Manager Dewey Barker about the important science behind cleaning in Sterile Processing. Barker explores soil, bioburden and invisible microbial contaminants when relating to their removal from instrument surfaces, without harming devices. Discussions regarding common mistakes found in the SPD, lack of attention to detail, and process perimeter knowledge are also covered. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 85, our host speaks with AORN’s Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist, Amber Wood, about the pros and cons of single-use and reusable endoscopes. The scopes’ safety margins are discussed, along with FDA requirements and the latest safety reports and alerts. Decision-making support teams that contribute to AORN’s guidance in evaluating different endoscope types is also addressed. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 84, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Director of Education Natalie Lind about the newly updated ninth edition HSPA Sterile Processing Technical Manual. Lind discusses what led to the textbook revision and explains how standards, Sterile Processing-related questions from HSPA members and input from industry experts, vendors and more influence content when updating textbooks. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 83, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with the Sterile Processing team from Lebanon VA Medical Center about their unique and creative methods for maintaining comfortable decontamination PPE. Wood also explores the costs and safety aspects of this “cool solution” with SP Chief Richard Lambdin, SP Educator Vanessa Cavanaugh and Advanced Medical Supply Technicians LaShonda Rhoads and Shannon Stankinas.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 82, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with America’s MedSource Inc.’s President and Owner, James Schneiter, about the benefits of instrument design and redesign for the benefit of patient care. He also addresses confusing and conflicting instructions for use (IFU) and the frustration that arises when there is a lack of validation testing for IFU. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 81, host Jon Wood speaks with surgeon Dr. M. Gerard-Paul Slobogean about the critical relationship between orthopedic trauma surgery and Sterile Processing. Specifically, Slobogean addresses how interruptions and delays resulting from improperly prepared instrument trays or contaminated instruments negatively affect schedules and procedures and jeopardize patient care and outcomes. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 80, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN Journal’s clinical editor and guest, Susan Ober, about her responsibilities with the publication and how a CRCST designation broadens her knowledge base. Ober also discusses how she incorporates her knowledge of sterile processing in her ever-challenging position. Also covered by Wood is a review of an article from the AJIC Journal, on the topic of utility of lighted magnification and borescopes for visual inspection of flexible endoscopes.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 79, host Jon Wood speaks with guests Samantha Jacques and Chris Nowak to discuss the medical device servicing community (MDSC), including what it entails and how patient safety is the MDSC’s top priority, just as it is for those in Sterile Processing (SP). Jacques and Nowak also address SP professionals’ critical connection to medical device servicing and the vital role they play in the MDSC.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 78, host Jon Wood reviews a random selection of instructions for use (IFU) and discusses some of the challenges and solutions to making IFU less confusing and more readily understood.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 77, host Jon Wood reviews articles dealing with common errors in surgical instrument reprocessing including productivity management, consolidating sterilization responsibilities, and following manufacturers processing recommendations. Wood also covers effective resource management, pretreatment processes and confinement and containment of dirty instruments. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 76, host Jon Wood discusses what constitutes effective and ineffective communication and explores ways Sterile Processing professionals can improve on those skills. Additionally, he explores the impact of communication on decision-making, scheduling, interdepartmental and interdisciplinary relationships, and patient outcomes. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 75, our guest, Amber Wood, and host Jon Wood discuss the differences between AORN and AAMI recommendations. Amber explores the benefits of AORN’s systematic approach to guideline development, including database research and the lengthy process and detailed experts needed to review and update a guideline. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 74, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood discusses disaster preparedness and the importance of a well-rehearsed, coordinated response to an unexpected incident—and its importance to the heath and security of our communities. Wood also shares his thoughts on a recent television series titled “Five Days at Memorial,” specifically, the episodes that address the heartbreaking aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 73, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood reviews the cover story, “Kerrison Rongeurs: Different Types, How They Are Used & How to Clean, Inspect & Test,” from the September/October 2022 issue of PROCESS. He also addresses the challenges associated with cleaning Kerrison rongeurs such as the risks of bioburden being left behind. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 72, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood brings back one of his favorite segments, What’s On My Mind where Wood answers often asked questions regarding peel packages. Also in this podcast is a review of AJIC article regarding COVID-related experiences with methylene blue. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 71, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood spotlights the Fellowship paper written by Ebow Holbrook-Smith, which addresses the role of education and standard work in creating sustainable quality. The standardization process and its benefits to organizations (enhanced safety, compatibility, inoperability, repeatability and quality in operations) are also explored. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 70, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood reviews the Fellowship research paper authored by Tony Thurmond. The paper covers what was involved in the facility’s development of an in-house instrument repair department, the pros and cons of using original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to repair instruments versus a third-party service provider—and which approach Thurmond’s facility found to be most beneficial in terms of cost, time, flexibility and results. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 69, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood reviews the Fellowship paper written by Brenda (Jan) Prudent. The paper follows a regional trauma hospital’s journey of centralizing the SPD’s broken high-level disinfection process just one month before a Joint Commission regulatory audit. Steps taken to relocate multiple high-level disinfection processes to a centralized location in sterile processing were identified by Prudent—and she describes how these processes led to improved workflow, process consistencies and staff education, among other benefits. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 68, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood talks about all things explants. Wood explains the complications involved when handling explanted medical devices as well as who should be part of the interdisciplinary team to determine the proper procedures. Since guidelines are rare and vague, the need for developing a facility policy is also covered. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 67, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood explores leadership topics in Sterile Processing. He encourages SP professionals’ to gain a better understanding of how and why leaders make certain decisions—and also how those decisions benefit the department. Additionally, Wood reviews leadership articles published in the May/June issue of PROCESS, including challenges SP professionals face when transitioning to leadership roles. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 66, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood continues his discussion of SP-related news stories that have made it into the mainstream media and the powerful ways SP professionals can learn from these issues. Two key topics include improperly cleaned, missing or incomplete instrument sets and the dangerous infection risks such incidents pose to patients. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 65, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood discusses mainstream media, news stories related to Sterile Processing (SP), and the powerful ways SP professionals can learn from these issues. Two key topics addressed by Wood include water quality issues and the risks of electrothermal injuries (burns) from surgery instrumentation. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 64, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood cleverly compares and contrasts instructions for use (IFU) for sterile processing and bass boats and discusses how key information allows products to be used properly and as intended. He also stresses the importance of creating a process and procedure list for safety and continuity. Finally, he reviews IFU-related PROCESS articles from the May/June 2022 issue. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 63, guests Sarah Cruz and Casey Czarnowski discuss entry-level pathways for a career in Sterile Processing (SP). The two will define “entry-level” and address preconceived notions or negative connotations associated with entry-level positions, as well as some of the expectations and career growth opportunities available for SP professionals. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 62, our host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood turns back the clock 10 years to see how far we have come in Sterile Processing(SP). Pulling articles from our association’s formerly-named Communiqué magazine, Jon reviews and assesses whether specific topics are still prevalent issues today (e.g., the importance of IFU, UDI identification systems, benchmarking, and an exploration of the “wild, wild west of SP”). This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 61, host and clinical educator Jon Wood discusses recent activity surrounding the FDA medical safety information and adverse event reporting program (MedWatch) for healthcare professionals and patients. He specifically addresses the medical device reports relating to endoscope reprocessing and patient infections. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 60, host and clinical educator Jon Wood discusses the March/April 2022 PROCESS article found in the “Inside Washington” column written by HSPA Clinical Educator, Susan Klacik. Jon reads, reviews, dissects the newly updated standard, and elaborates on the importance of having the standard readily available to all reprocessing staff. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 59, host and clinical educator Jon Wood discusses the exciting happenings at HSPA, including the upcoming Board of Directors election, details on the Board positions and candidates, and how (and why) to become an HSPA member. In the “What’s On My Mind” segment, Jon discusses a research track taking place at the HSPA Annual Conference in San Antonio and what it means to the future of Sterile Processing—and he also recaps the follow-up article published in PROCESS magazine’s March/April issue on the Ofstead & Associates droplet dispersal study. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 58, host Jon Wood dives deep into the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation 1910.1030 standard. He explains the basics of the regulation and why this document/law is so important. Jon also covers details in exposure control plans, methods of compliance, necessary PPE entitlement, and personal safety best practices. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 57, host Jon Wood discusses mental illness, mental health myths, and the hidden needs of those with mental health issues. He elaborates on the early signs of possible problems that can challenge positive mental health and makes suggestions on how to cut some of the “noise” in one’s life to emphasize the positive. Jon also discusses coping skills for stress-filled situations and anxiety, and what can be done if you know someone who is struggling or needs help. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 56, our featured guest, Cheron Rojo, reviews his HSPA Fellowship paper that addressed inspection and integrity testing of insulated instruments—specifically, the concerns for failure and the new guidelines for testing. He discusses his path to Fellowship and personal reasons for the specific topic and elaborates on his passion for researching the insulation testing amendment in ANSI/AAMI ST79 regarding laparoscopic instruments. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

Episode 55 features our popular “What’s on My Mind” segment, with host Jon Wood discussing the importance of record retention and the departmental research needed to assess how long an organization must retain and maintain records—and how to make informed decisions on policy and procedure. Also in this episode, the Mailbox Mania segment has Jon reviewing articles from the January/February 2022 issue of PROCESS (including a recap of real-world findings from recent practice reviews performed in endoscopic processing areas, and the importance of planning for successful employee cross-training). This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

Episode 54 features our popular “What’s on My Mind” segment where host Jon Wood discusses process changes and how those changes affect process failures. The holiday movie, Home Alone, serves as an example of how easily modified processes can fail and create unintended events. This episode also includes reviews of studies and articles from the December issue of AORN Journal. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In Episode 53, host Jon Wood explores new research published in AJIC that suggests instrument processing professionals may be exposed to tissue, blood and patient fluids despite the use of personal protective equipment. The data was captured by Ofstead & Associates during the first real-world evaluation of PPE effectiveness for SP professionals. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In Episode 52, host Jon Wood updates us on IAHCSMM Association news and also reviews information about opportunities available to our members. This episode also brings back “Mailbox Mania” to dive into the latest issue of PROCESS magazine. The fan-favorite “What’s On My Mind” segment also addresses who touches sterile packaging after it is processed— specifically, the environmental services (EVS) personnel—and whether they should be trained in competencies centered around event-related sterility. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.