Chapter 19- Supply Chain Management Within the Sterile Processing Department

Operational supplies

Supplies needed for SPD operations. Examples include detergents, sterilization wrap, sterilization testing products, etc.

Patient care supplies

Supplies dispensed for patient treatment and care. Examples include catheters, implants, bandages, etc.

Inventory

Reusable equipment and consumable items used to provide healthcare services for patients.

Reusable (inventory)

Assets, such as medical devices and sterilization containers, that can be reused as healthcare services are provided to patients. Ex: mechanical washers and sterilizers.

consumable (inventory)

Assets, such as wrapping supplies, processing chemicals, and other items that are consumed as healthcare services are provided to patients. Ex: detergents, disposable wraps, and sterility assurance products.

Distribution

The movement of supplies

Periodic Automatic replenishment (PAR)

An inventory replenishment system in which the desired amount of products that should be available is established, and inventory replenishment returns the quantity of products to this level

Automated supply replenishment system

Replenishment system in which items removed from inventory are automatically identified and tracked. When a reorder point is reached, item information is generated on a supply pick list in the central storeroom, or with a contracted vendor. Items are then issued and transferred to the appropriate user area.

Exchange cart system

An inventory system where desired inventory items are placed on a cart assigned to a specific location. A second duplicate cart is maintained in another location and exchanged on a scheduled basis to ensure sufficient supplies are available at all times

Requisition system

A method of inventory distribution where items needed are requested by user department personnel and removed from a central storage location for transport to the user department

Non-stock items

Items not carried in the central storeroom or in the sterile processing area but that are purchased from an outside vendor, as needed, and then delivered to the requesting department

Sustainability

Processes designed to reduce harm to the environment or deplete natural resources, thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.

Sterilizers, mechanical washers and other expensive items are examples of

capital equipment

Which of the following system provides supplies and instruments for individual surgical procedures?

Case Cart

The inventory system that stock supplies by per-established stock levels is called a/an:

PAR system

The inventory system that uses two identical carts to facilitate supply replenishment is called the 

exchange cart system

Automated supply replenishment systems are:

Computerized

The movement of supplies throughout the healthcare facility is called:

Distribution

Supply inspection should include

checking for excessive handling

Items like disposable wraps are called

consumable supplies

Capital equipment items are

items with a higher purchase price

Reference number

Product serial number

Use by date

Do not reuse

Lot number/batch code

Date of manufacturer

The CE mark is an identification mark that indicates that a product has complied with the health and safety requirements, as published by european directives

Attention: see instructions

Who is responsible for the supply purchasing, receiving and distribution?

Supply Chain Management (SCM) department

Consumable and reusable items are considered…

Assets. They represent a significant financial investment by the healthcare facility and must be managed in a way that enables the facility to benefit from them at the lowest cost possible.

Group purchasing organizations (GPOs)

Negotiate contracts for products and services that enable facilities to receive special, reduced pricing.

Where are a large portion of inventory items stored?

In the SCM department

Consignment

An inventory system where items are provided to the healthcare by the vendor but not charged to the facility until the items are used.

Any implant not accounted for 

Will be charged

What do commercially sterilized packages come with?

Printed instructions. Most product packaging contains information regarding product manufacturer, sterility, storage, and safe use.

Manufacturer information

1. Manufacturer’s name

2. Product name and specifics

3. Product reference number

4. Date of manufacturer

5. Batch number

6. product serial number

7. expiration information

Sterility information

1. Sterility statement

2. Expiration date

Storage information

1. Storage temperature limits

2. Moisture or humidity limits

3. Fragility

Safe use instructions

1. Identification of single-use items

2. Notification of latex contents

3. References to product instructions for use

Do all packages have an expiration date?

No. Such items do not have materials that will degrade or decompose in an established normal-use time frame. The packages will have a statement indicating that the package is sterile, unless opened or damaged.

What should inspections include?

Visual checks to ensure that the packages has no holes, tears, signs of moisture, dust, or other visible damage.

The unique device identifier (UDI) system will allow

• Tracking of medical devices

• Easy identification of an item being recalled

• more accurate reporting and analysis of adverse events caused by a medical device

• Identification of counterfeit medical devices

What are the common causes for the loss of sterile items?

• Expiration

• Contamination

• Obsolescence

• Loss

• Theft

What is the best method of transport?

• Closed case carts

What is the goal of distribution?

To move the correct items in appropriate quantities to the right places at the right times and in the most cost-effective manner possible.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the exchange cart system?

• It’s automatic

• It’s labor intensive and requires adequate space to stage the carts.

Benefits of the case cart system:

• Reduces the amount of space needed for supply storage in the user department

• Promotes standardized infection prevention practices

• reduces operational costs associated with supply and instrument management

• Allows more efficient equipment and supply tracking

STAT orders are time consuming and costly to fill because…

They disrupt routine inventory management activities.