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Human Factoring in Sterile Processing Departments
REVIEWS
www.aornjournal.org
reference to have on site for any PACU. As a director of surgical services, I have ordered this book for our department to serve as a resource for staff members and to be used as a reference for writing our policies and procedures. NADINE A. MARIOTTI MHA, BSN, RN DIRECTOR, SURGICAL SERVICES MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION FUND HOSPITAL WOODLAND HILLS, CA http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2013.01.004
Human Factoring in Sterile Processing Departments Michele DeMeo
Self-published https://www.createspace.com/4010422 2012, 62 pages, softcover This is a small, self-published book on human factors and how they affect sterile processing. The author, who is considered to be a sterile processing expert and who actively contributes to the literature on sterile processing, has divided the information into three chapters that briefly discuss the science of human factoring, identify how sterile processing managers can benefit from knowledge about human factoring, and provide templates that department managers can use to improve workflow and employee performance. The author touches on the topics of n
human variables (eg, individual and group differences, physical limitations, employee safety, an environment free from harassment), n ergonomics (eg, how the environment supports the individual physically), and
n
organizational considerations (eg, analysis, design, surveys, engineering, work testing).
Human factors can negatively affect outcomes if an employee has inadequate training or has limited time to perform essential duties, or feels threatened when providing feedback. These negative factors can lead to poor work performance and interpersonal problems. Positive factors, such as tailored orientations, properly outfitted work stations, automated systems, and a positive work environment, can lead to best practices that support and enhance work. Human factors are constantly changing, and practices in sterile processing departments need to accommodate for these variables on a continuing basis. For example, sterilization practices must be re-evaluated and adapted based on research findings and the needs of the individuals who perform the work. A discussion of physical and cognitive conditions, as well as nonphysical conditions, provides the basis for the chapter in which the author explains how sterile processing managers can benefit from appropriately addressing human factors in the work environment. Policies and procedures must be aligned with the actual work being performed and should reflect the actual tools, procedures, and environment versus adhering to a generic template. Work stations should be ergonomically appropriate and free of distractions. Implementing automated systems may be as important as providing suitable tools to manually perform job functions. In addition, the location of the sterile processing department can create problems with turnaround time if the department is not near the surgical departments. The author provides multiple templates to improve workflow and employee performance on subjects such as orientation of personnel and departmental assessment and analysis. The chapter that discusses the templates is the longest chapter in the book and includes an examination and list of competencies.
AORN Journal j 495
April 2013 Vol 97 No 4
It is difficult to cover a vast amount of information about sterile processing in such a small book. The font size is small, and some readers may find it difficult to read. The author provides web site addresses and a list of reputable references; however, I would like to have seen information from AORN or the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology incorporated into the subject matter and reference list. The author declares the book a primer for information on the sterile processing department, and it does provide the reader with a basic introduction to human factors that can affect the sterile processing
REVIEWS department. It would be an excellent handout for a seminar or a supplemental read for health care workers who are new to sterile processing. The author establishes some key points that provide a foundation for addressing the human factors unique to each reader’s environment and then leaves it to the reader to search further for necessary information to meet his or her needs. JANA HILSGEN BSN, RN, CNOR INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER MIDSOTA PLASTIC SURGEONS ST CLOUD, MN http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2013.01.013
The authors of this column have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as posing potential conflicts of interest in the publication of this article.
496 j AORN Journal
www.aornjournal.org
reference to have on site for any PACU. As a director of surgical services, I have ordered this book for our department to serve as a resource for staff members and to be used as a reference for writing our policies and procedures. NADINE A. MARIOTTI MHA, BSN, RN DIRECTOR, SURGICAL SERVICES MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION FUND HOSPITAL WOODLAND HILLS, CA http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2013.01.004
Human Factoring in Sterile Processing Departments Michele DeMeo
Self-published https://www.createspace.com/4010422 2012, 62 pages, softcover This is a small, self-published book on human factors and how they affect sterile processing. The author, who is considered to be a sterile processing expert and who actively contributes to the literature on sterile processing, has divided the information into three chapters that briefly discuss the science of human factoring, identify how sterile processing managers can benefit from knowledge about human factoring, and provide templates that department managers can use to improve workflow and employee performance. The author touches on the topics of n
human variables (eg, individual and group differences, physical limitations, employee safety, an environment free from harassment), n ergonomics (eg, how the environment supports the individual physically), and
n
organizational considerations (eg, analysis, design, surveys, engineering, work testing).
Human factors can negatively affect outcomes if an employee has inadequate training or has limited time to perform essential duties, or feels threatened when providing feedback. These negative factors can lead to poor work performance and interpersonal problems. Positive factors, such as tailored orientations, properly outfitted work stations, automated systems, and a positive work environment, can lead to best practices that support and enhance work. Human factors are constantly changing, and practices in sterile processing departments need to accommodate for these variables on a continuing basis. For example, sterilization practices must be re-evaluated and adapted based on research findings and the needs of the individuals who perform the work. A discussion of physical and cognitive conditions, as well as nonphysical conditions, provides the basis for the chapter in which the author explains how sterile processing managers can benefit from appropriately addressing human factors in the work environment. Policies and procedures must be aligned with the actual work being performed and should reflect the actual tools, procedures, and environment versus adhering to a generic template. Work stations should be ergonomically appropriate and free of distractions. Implementing automated systems may be as important as providing suitable tools to manually perform job functions. In addition, the location of the sterile processing department can create problems with turnaround time if the department is not near the surgical departments. The author provides multiple templates to improve workflow and employee performance on subjects such as orientation of personnel and departmental assessment and analysis. The chapter that discusses the templates is the longest chapter in the book and includes an examination and list of competencies.
AORN Journal j 495
April 2013 Vol 97 No 4
It is difficult to cover a vast amount of information about sterile processing in such a small book. The font size is small, and some readers may find it difficult to read. The author provides web site addresses and a list of reputable references; however, I would like to have seen information from AORN or the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology incorporated into the subject matter and reference list. The author declares the book a primer for information on the sterile processing department, and it does provide the reader with a basic introduction to human factors that can affect the sterile processing
REVIEWS department. It would be an excellent handout for a seminar or a supplemental read for health care workers who are new to sterile processing. The author establishes some key points that provide a foundation for addressing the human factors unique to each reader’s environment and then leaves it to the reader to search further for necessary information to meet his or her needs. JANA HILSGEN BSN, RN, CNOR INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER MIDSOTA PLASTIC SURGEONS ST CLOUD, MN http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2013.01.013
The authors of this column have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as posing potential conflicts of interest in the publication of this article.
496 j AORN Journal