Chapter 21- The role of information technology in sterile processing

Cloud computing

The practice of storing regularly used data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the internet

(Workbook) List 6 reasons why it’s important for the SPD to track items

1. Ensure items can be quickly located

2. Determine when consumable supplies should be replaced

3. Monitor item usage

4. Maintain accurate records of processes such as sterilization and distribution

5. Assist with quality assurance processes and regulatory compliance

6. Capture information for financial analysis

(Workbook) Interfaced, cloud-based or turnkey: which of these terms means systems that communicate with one another electrically?

Interfaced

(Workbook) Name two types of tracking methods

1. Standard barcodes

2. radio frequency identification (RFID) tags 

(Workbook) List three things a basic instrument and equipment tracking system can track

1. Complete instrument sets and trays

2. Specific equipment items

3. usage of specific equipment

(Workbook) In addition to providing financial and operational management, information technology systems are used to:

Support patient safety

(Workbook) Information technology is used to

• Track clinical information

• Demonstrate quality care

• Provide decision support systems 

(Workbook) Which of the following is NOT a result of computer integration?

Automatic critical updates to industry standards

(Workbook) Patient census information used in sterile processing is obtained from the

admissions and registration system

(Workbook) Basic SP computer systems usually contain:

ability to track preventive maintenance (PM)

(Workbook) Tracking individual instruments is important

• To locate missing instruments

• to locate the current location of instrument sets

• For keeping instruments in a specific set

(Workbook) Which of the following is not a reason for tracking supplies, equipment, and instruments

Meeting centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) and occupational safety and health administration requirements

(Workbook) Which of the following tracking methods provides real time information

RFID tags

(Workbook) Point of use computing

Moves computers into SP work areas

(Workbook) Which of the following is NOT provided by an instrument tracking system?

Product updates and recall information

What are some common types of computer-based information systems used for in the SPD?

• Instrument tracking

• Sterilization time

• attendance information

• case cart pick lists

• Patient care equipment tracking

• inventory management

• staffing analysis

• individual productivity data

A clear understanding of the systems that can be utilized by SP management and staff is important for two critical reasons:

• The core mission is to support patient safety and quality patient care. Information systems can be used to ensure these objectives are accomplished.

• Using available systems appropriately will enhance the ability to provide efficient and cost-effective patient care

Admissions and registration, also known as admissions, discharge, and transfer (ADT) systems are used for what?

to manage inpatient and outpatient registration. Patient census information is received from the ADT system.

Electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR) is the…

The library of data related to the care provided to a patient by the organization.

Who uses the centralized patient order entry (CPOE) systems?

• Physicians and other authorized caregivers to order tests, medications, supplies, and equipment for patient use.

• The CPOE system also provides alerts when there are potentially conflicting orders created for a patient, such as allergies or medication incompatibility.

• For sp techs, automated requests for patient care items are generated by a CPOE system.

What are diagnostic and therapeutic services systems used for?

To manage the scheduling, procedures performed, and results reported for their respective departments, such as radiology, ultrasound, vascular lab, etc.

What are materials management information systems used for?

To manage the purchasing, receipt, and inventory control functions within an organization.

Accounts payable systems

Used to manage payment to vendors providing products or services to the organization.

Charge description master systems

Used to manage a list of services and items that are chargeable to patients.

Billing or patient accounting revenue systems

Used to manage the issuing of bills to patients/insurance payors and assist with collection of amounts due

Payroll systems

Used to track hours, calculate wages, taxes and deductions, and print and deliver checks

Decision support systems

Used to analyze operational and financial performance and provide key metrics to senior leadership.