Beyond Clean Expert Series Episode 4: Working Top of License in Sterile Processing

In this episode of Beyond Clean‘s Vendor Management Expert Series, host Hank Balch and guest Matthew Rechin discuss the ‘Top of License’ concept in vendor management within sterile processing. They delve into what it means for professionals to work to the full extent of their accreditation and training, highlighting the inefficiencies and manual tasks that detract from this goal. The conversation includes real-life examples, such as excessive manual communication with vendors, and recommends leveraging technology like ReadySet for better efficiency. The episode sets the stage for further discussion on staff burnout related to these manual processes in the next episode.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:53 Understanding the Top of License Concept

02:11 Challenges in Achieving Top of License in Healthcare

03:44 Practical Examples and Solutions

07:21 The Importance of Automation

09:14 Conclusion

Maximizing Sterile Processing Efficiency with Top-of-License Performance

In the ever-evolving world of sterile processing, one concept is emerging as a game-changer: Top of License Performance. In our latest video expert series on Beyond Clean, we delve into this nuanced topic with our guest expert Matthew Rechin. The discussion touches on how sterile processing departments (SPD) can navigate their day-to-day operations more efficiently by ensuring that team members operate at their highest level of training and expertise. Here’s an overview of the key insights and practical applications from our conversation.

What is Top of License in Healthcare?

Top of License is all about leveraging the full extent of a person’s accreditation, licensing, or education. In the context of SPDs, this means ensuring that team members don’t waste their skills on tasks that don’t require their level of expertise. Manual duties like constant phone calls or administrative work can deter professionals from applying their advanced certifications effectively. This shift in focus helps address several challenges faced by SPD teams, such as high turnover rates and job dissatisfaction.

The significance of education and certification

Over the past few decades, the sterile processing field has seen a push towards advanced education and certification. These qualifications are crucial, elevating standards and promising better career opportunities. However, there’s an ongoing challenge to put these credentials to practical use. Professionals desire tasks that match their skill set and push their limits. Thus, embracing the Top of License approach aids in identifying which tasks can be automated or streamlined, allowing critical focus on tasks necessitating specialized expertise.

Practical implementation and efficiency in hospitals

Operational efficiency in hospitals often takes a hit due to repetitive manual tasks. For instance, in an orthopedic case, sterile processors might frequently have to make manual calls to track tray deliveries. This labor-intensive task pulls them away from more crucial duties. Facilities that focus on top-of-license performance approach encourage a culture shift where such interruptions are minimized through automation and better communication protocols, freeing up skilled personnel.

A real-world parallel for SPD Managers

Drawing from personal experience, many professionals in the sterile processing industry have encountered situations where their skills weren’t utilized to their full potential. Much like graduates tackling entry-level roles, SPD professionals are eager to engage in tasks that resonate with their training and passions. Being bogged down by mundane tasks can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout, highlighting the need for adopting higher-level applications of their skills.

The role of technology and automation for Surgical Tray Tracking

To achieve optimal efficiency, it’s essential to integrate systems like ReadySet, which streamline case readiness and tray tracking. These tools can interface with existing infrastructures to provide real-time updates, minimizing phone time and enabling staff to focus on critical operations. Automation doesn’t replace the human touch but rather augments it, ensuring that professionals can focus on tasks that require their specific expertise.

The Top of License Paradigm

The Top of License paradigm represents an attractive model for many sterile processing professionals. It aligns with their pursuit of excellence and amplifies their contributions to patient care outcomes. As the industry continues to evolve, aligning tasks with capabilities not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes better healthcare delivery. 

For those keen on exploring this concept further and implementing it in their facilities, Matthew Rechin and his team remain available for consultations. We’ve included their contact information in the description of the episode, and they are open to connecting on LinkedIn.