[A refinement of the supply system to reduce instrument packaging re-sterilization rates].
BACKGROUND
Sterilized instrument packages facilitate instrument availability in surgery. However, repeated sterilizations after expiration of disinfection validity results in additional costs. Last year, an average of 2,505 instrument packages were re-sterilized each month due to expiration. Reducing the re-sterilization rate is an issue in terms of cost reduction.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we tried to decrease the instrument package re-sterilization rate by refining the hospital instrument supply system. The result reduced costs and enhanced patient safety.


METHODS
Refinement procedures included staff re-education, changing sterilization and packing methods to extend the validity period, establishing a warning system, periodic examination of demand, and establishing an auditing system. Average numbers of expired packages and sterilization costs were compared pre- and post-study period.


RESULTS
The average amount of expired packages fell from 2505/month to 592/month. The expiration rate decreased from 25.7 % to 5.9 %. Costs of re-sterilization decreased from 82,665 NTD per month to 19,536 NTD per month (i.e., a decrease of 63,129 NTD in costs per month).


CONCLUSIONS
Refining the supply system can reduce expiration and re-sterilization rates for instrument packaging, achieving lower costs without sacrificing quality.
Hsu
Shu-Chu
SC
Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital -Kaohsiung Medical Center, ROC.
Chou
Chuan-Yu
CY
She
Tzu-Wei
TW
Chen
Shu-Hwa
SH
D019064:Product Packaging; D013242:Sterilization / Q000191:economics; D013525:Surgical Instruments