A P R I L 2 0 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 7 7
Improving our hospi-
tal's instrument scan-
ning process was done,
first and foremost, to
improve patient safety.
By making sure individ-
ual instrument trays
and case carts are
scanned consistently,
we've also realized sev-
eral other benefits from
tracking our trays:
• Improved accuracy. Complete instrument sets arrive in the
OR, a factor that had led to fewer case delays and improved the
working relationship between the OR and sterile processing.
• Instrument longevity. Tracking and monitoring tray usage and
wear and tear ensures instruments are sent out for regular
maintenance and repair.
• Accurate case costing. We have a clearer picture of how often
instrument sets are used and which trays are often returned to
sterile processing without being opened. This information lets us
capture detailed charges for specific cases and helps us allocate
resources in a more effective way.
• Maintaining inventory. I work in the pediatric ORs of our large
hospital system, which has an adult surgical department that per-
forms significantly more cases than our side. Whenever it's possi-
ble and appropriate, we lend instrument trays to our colleagues
ADDED VALUE
Key Instrument-tracking Improvements
• WATCH AND LEARN Monitoring the real-time use of instrument trays
helps to ensure tools reach ORs on time and in perfect working order.
Jon
Kraft,
BSN,
RN,
CNOR