Good morning,
Shortly prior to COVID the facility I worked for converted from high level disinfecting (HLD) to central sterile processing (SP) for all items. I drove the process from the ENT clinic perspective and practice.
Every aspect of scope management and care changed- the numbers increased, there were purchasing decisions on sterilization containers, courier systems, numbers of scopes. Additional training and record keeping was necessitated by the changes. Not all scopes can be sterilized and certain types required HLD, but it was now going to be centralized and performed under sterile processing. The sterile processing turn around time had to be assessed and contingency plans put into place. The storage facilities had to be redesigned, expanded, and processes put into place for rotations, date monitoring, and inventory. Instead of freeing up the former HLD area for other uses it was needed for dirty scope staging prior to transport to SP. In general, scopes require immediate bedside clean, packaging into sterilization containers, and prep before they can be transported to SP. I recall definitive cleaning and processing needed to be initiated within a 60 minute window. The process required significant time and additional staff to manage, coordinate, and monitor from the clinical side.
The first step, in my opinion and experience, is to fully map out what is involved in your current process. Include all ancillary services and personnel- leave nothing and no one out, no matter how minor the role. Include any after hours use of equipment and use. Bring in all of the stakeholders from the beginning- from all levels of care. Expand from there and do not underestimate the growth needs this will require of your organization. This process change will not free up valuable time for your staff rather it will increase everyone's obligations and time devoted to the same process. Feel free to reach out to me directly.
Maria S. Burke, BSN, RN-BC, AE-C