Ask the Educator: Recent Episodes
Healthmark
Medical device processing is critically important to the safety of patients everywhere. This podcast from Healthmark Industries is about answering questions and sharing knowledge related to sterile processing, endoscopy, infection prevention, biomedical engineering, leadership, and products. Have a question you would like answered on the show? Send it to our email address asktheeducator@hmark.com.
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Do you know what is inside your flexible scopes? Microbial surveillance can tell you exactly what is living inside your scopes, but how can we implement that kind of program? Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock joins the podcast to share how we can create these types of programs at our facilities and help further protect our patients!
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After a LinkedIn post made by our host, Kevin Anderson, about the importance of testing bipolar forceps for insulation integrity, our guest, Rebecca Peplau, commented about a scenario featuring a specific brand of bipolar forceps and how the SPD technicians were potentially damaging the forceps, just by doing the routine testing! Nothing was written about the issue in the IFU, however. Listen in to learn more about what happened, and how this issue was resolved!
Have you ever had fire start in your SPD or OR? Or have you heard of a patient being burned by electrosurgical equipment? If FDA reports are any indication, most of us have experienced at least one of these events at some point in our careers. So how does this happen in such a controlled and secure environment? In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, Kevin and Adam speak to Jahan Azizi about all things electrosurgical to understand why testing the integrity and continuity of our cords and cables is so vitally important to keep patients safe.
In many processing departments too, much emphasis is placed purely on repetition as the means educating the staff. Unfortunately, this leaves many processing professional ill equipped to make good decisions when problems arise. In these moments, when critical thinking is required, staff members whose education lacks a true understanding of why they are doing the task the way they are will be ill prepared to react appropriately. This also effects staff's ability to participate in risk assessment activities as well.
Incorporating "why" into any department's education program will add quality by creating technicians that not only understand how to do their job but why they do it that way.
Tune in to this episode featuring Jill Holdsworth and Cheron Rojo to get introduced to PB70, the Protective Barriers Committee.
What is "Education Culture" in Sterile Processing and how can we create a culture of education in SPD? How do we maintain it? And more importantly, how do we get staff to buy in? In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, Kevin and Adam speak to Rebecca Peplau from Maine Health to answer these questions and more!
The pandemic certainly changed a lot in our world, but one thing it exposed for us in Central Service was the weaknesses in our supply chains and our ability to survive without our needed supplies. In this episode, guest Jamie Terran outlines the need for us to expand our supply chains and create relationships with multiple vendors so we be flexible and react quickly to our facilities' needs. A must listen for anyone involved in their facilities purchasing decisions!
In this episode, Kevin and Adam speak to Marjorie Wall and Joseph Avila, both Directors at Memorial Hermann Health System in Texas. Don't miss this essential talk on the importance of "psychological safety" in the sterile processing department, and how Marjorie and Joseph used it to create a multidisciplinary team that accomplished amazing things! Bonus, learn how partnering with a local school can give you a pipeline of educated sterile processing technicians. No more travelers needed!
In this episode, Jahan Azizi outlines the common safety hazards that we see in sterile processing departments each day, and the reasons behind why departments don't (or can't) prioritize the safety of its employees.
Do you ever wonder what consultants see when they go into hospitals across the country? Well, we can tell you from experience that it's not always pretty. In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, Kevin Anderson is on the other side of the microphone for the first time as a guest on his own podcast, along with fellow educators, Malinda Elammari & Seth Hendee, as they recount their recent Healthmark webinar entitled "Horror Stories from the Field".
Learn what mistakes hospitals are consistently making, and what tools and strategies you can use to avoid those mistakes!
This one is jam-packed with valuable data from some of the industry's brightest minds!
In this episode, Kevin & Adam speak with Cheron Rojo, who will be recapping his most recent International Webinar presentation on insulation testing. Learn how Cheron's personal story inspired his research and what the data tells us about whether sterile processing professionals are following the standards on insulation testing!
In this episode of the Ask The Educator Podcast, we interview Etay Gafni about Layerjot's new project: the Surgical Instrument Database, or S.I.D. for short. What is SID? How can Sterile Processing Technicians utilize it to identify our surgical instrumentation?
Don't miss this episode about an exciting emerging technology that you can start using immediately in your own department!
For more information about SID, or to start using the database, go to: https://www.layerjot.com/
Malinda Elammari and Kevin Anderson continue their discussion on common peel pouch problems that are found in SPD departments.
sterileprocessing #peelpouch #sterileprocessingtech #asktheeducatorpodcast
Malinda Elammari and host, Kevin Anderson discuss peel pouches and common issues with their seals.
Adam Okada, Seth Hendee, and Kevin Anderson all discuss the need for training and documented competency for IFUs. Many departments now have access to IFU database software. However, it is common for users to struggle to find the IFU and/or the information they need within the IFU.
In this interview, Adam Okada and Kevin Anderson discuss the trouble with wet packs. What are some common errors made when troubleshooting wet packs and what are some resources to consider when tackling this frustrating problem in sterile processing? Find out in this episode of Ask the Educator.
Stephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson discuss the current state of sterile processing in the dental industry.
Sarah B. Cruz is the guest educator on this episode and shares with us why and how mentorship may be an important step in your professional development.
Instructions for use (IFUs) can range from too simple to too cumbersome. But they can also be your key to higher quality in sterile processing. Check out this episode featuring CPD Guy, Stephen Kovach and his thoughts on IFUs.
Guy Phipps, Co-Creator at SterileBits talks about the latest innovation in instrument protection that will solve many of the current industry problems from the sterile processing department to the end-user in the procedural areas.
The newest addition to the Healthmark Clinical Affairs team, Adam Okada shares how education played a critical role in driving quality in his sterile processing department.
Our Healthmark Education Specialists visit a lot of SP Departments around the United States. When we ask staff to explain the sterilizer load printout, we often get mixed answers. Malinda Elammari helps address what we should be looking for on the sterilizer printout.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson discuss care and handling of reusable brushes in SPD. Too often we see inadequate brush inventory, incorrect brushes for the job, or brushes that look like they've been put through a coffee grinder. Get rid of those gnarly brushes! Take care of your brushes and they will take care of your surgical instruments!
Have you practiced the art of storytelling to lead your SPD to the greatness? You should be! Listen to this interview with Beyond Clean founder and President, Hank Balch, to find out why and how to lead with storytelling.
In this episode, host Kevin Anderson interviews Jim VanPietersom of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Alaska. Jim, an IAHCSMM Leadership Award winner shares a lot of great information about how he and his team have built a high performing SPD. If you have aspirations to be a leader in SPD, don't miss this episode!
In this episode, John Whelan shares valuable information about how surveyors look at endoscopy as well as many of the common pitfalls that lead to findings by surveyors.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach talks about a simple quality management tool that can be used to proactively increase quality and safety before it reaches the patient, the tray quality audit!
As SP departments continue to process instruments from other internal and external facilities, the transportation of reusable medical devices becomes even more important. There are federal regulations and other things to consider when transporting instruments between facilities and departments. In this episode, Seth Hendee shares some tips to help you get ready for your next survey inspection of transporting medical devices.
Point of use care and transport of soiled surgical instruments and devices has been a focal point of accreditation surveys in recent years. Stephen Kovach shares simple ways to drive quality and compliance with these critical components of the instrument life cycle through case cart auditing.
Stephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson discuss all things related to eyewash stations in order to help listeners prepare for accreditation surveyors.
Vested-Medical is a unique third-party processing and logistics company based in the Chicago area. In this episode, Tracy Raymond shares how Vested-Medical provides a unique service for their customers with a focus on quality.
"What is measured gets improved," is a famous quote from Peter Drucker. This old quote is still very much relevant today and in the sterile processing industry. In this interview, Jake McHugh shares what he has been able to learn and accomplish with the data that his team tracks and trends in their department.
In this episode, host Kevin Anderson interviews Marjorie Wall, the new President-Elect of IAHACSMM. We get to know Marjorie and a little bit about her vision for the sterile processing industry.
Cheron Rojo, Clinical Education Specialist shares some tips on how to get your logs and documentation ready for an accreditation surveyor.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson reflect on the need for sharing information and education differently due to the effects of the pandemic.
In this episode, Cheron Rojo, Clinical Education Specialist with Healthmark Industries shares some tips for making a positive first impression with accreditation surveyors. He shares both environmental and personnel related opportunities to create this positive first impression. It's never too early to prepare for accreditation!
In this episode, Stephen Kovach discusses two more unsung heroes of SPD, the instrument air gun and PPE for your ears.
The shortage in sterilization blue wrap has led to an increase in demand for peel pouches and rigid sterilization containers. In this episode, Seth Hendee speaks to several of the common questions we hear regarding peel pouches.
This question came in from a connection on social media. This is a great question that we don't discuss too often in the SPD industry. In this episode, Seth Hendee, Clinical Education Specialist with Healthmark Industries helps us to answer this question.
Stephen Kovach talks about another couple "unsung heroes of SPD," water spray arms and water guns. These devices are great for all things manual decontamination. While these tools are great, be sure to proceed with caution and the correct PPE!
For this installment of the Unsung Heroes of SPD Series, Stephen Kovach speaks about the demagnetizer and how important this piece of equipment can be to your department and your patients.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach talks about the importance of the peel pouch heat sealer device that we use every day in SPD. He also shares how industry standards encourage us to be including daily checks on these devices to ensure that they are working properly.
In this episode, Healthmark Clinical Education Coordinator Seth Hendee, gives us an overview of what we need to know about ANSI/AAMI ST79 amendments 1, 3, and 4. There is some great information in here that you will want to know about. But be sure to get your copy of the ST79 amendments for your sterile processing department.
Cheron Rojo, Clinical Education Coordinator at Healthmark Industries shares a more in depth look at the 2nd of the 4 recent amendments to the ST79 guideline for steam sterilization.
The SPD department has many unsung heroes. These can be different types of supplies or equipment that we may take for granted, but play a critical role in our department. In this episode, Stephen Kovach and I discuss the importance of the case cart washer.
Damien Berg explains what exactly a TIR is compared to an industry standard. He also explains how the document AAMI TIR 12 will impact both the manufacturer and the end user.
In this episode, Kevin Anderson interviews Nancy Chobin, CEO of Sterile Processing University. Nancy shares her thoughts on all things related to education in sterile processing, including certification and the need for more development for managers of sterile processing.
AAMI has released four amendments to the Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization (ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017). In this episode, host Kevin Anderson shares a high level overview of the latest amendments.
Bernie Spencer shares principles learned while working 25 years in the automotive industry and how he applies them to the device processing world that he has been working in over the last 8 years. In this episode he specifically speaks about how he applies these principles learned to the endoscope channel brushing process.
In this episode, Kevin Anderson speaks with Healthmark Laboratory Technician, Audrey McDonald. She introduces ASTM International standards that apply to testing the cleaning efficacy of brushes that are used to clean medical devices. She also shares how brushes are tested, specifically brushes that are meant to clean instrument channels, or lumens.
The sterile processing industry continues to evolve. It is important that whether we are certified or not, that all of us in the device processing world are committed to education. What are we learning and what are we teaching others. Host Kevin Anderson shares some practical ways to get involved in education in 2021.
In the spirit of the holiday season, Kevin Anderson shares a personal message about one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Healthmark educators Seth Hendee and Cheron Rojo discuss what a KPI is and how they are important in device processing.
In this episode, Educators Seth Hendee and Cheron Rojo talk about the basics of insulation testing and what we need to know.
Pennsylvania has just made news with the passing of a law that will require sterile processing techs to have certification. This is great news of course! But where do we go from here? It has been twenty years since New Jersey became the first state to pass a similar law/regulation. How do we continue to elevate the level of education in the industry? In this interview, we speak with Tony Monaco, one of the leaders that led the charge for certification in New Jersey and learn from his insights on how we can move forward.
Stephen Kovach shares his experience with TOSI as a former manager and how it became an invaluable tool for him when troubleshooting his faulty washer disinfectors.
The World Federation for Hospital Sterilization Sciences (WFHSS), like most organizations that provide a conference type education program, has had to pivot and offer their conference in a digital format. Harry Oussoren shares what we need to know about the Digital Day education program coming up this November 26th.
In this episode Stephen Kovach discusses the origin of the ten factors of cleaning as well as why these factors are so important.
In this interview, Rod Parker, Senior Principal Scientist at Stryker, gives us a behind the scenes look at the development of the Blue62 detergent. He also helps us to answer the question... is there one detergent that is ideal for all circumstances?
Cheron Rojo and Kevin Anderson discuss ways to handle the common problem of missing instruments.
Ralph Basile and host Kevin Anderson discuss cleaning verification. When used correctly, cleaning verification products can be a great tool for auditing your cleaning process. However, it is important to understand the limitations of these important tools so that we don't misuse them.
Stephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson cover the last of the ten factors of cleaning and discuss the importance of cleaning chemistries.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach explains how the type of soil you are trying to clean can impact the effectiveness of your cleaning process.
Stephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson continue their 10 factors of cleaning series. In this episode, they discuss the mechanical factor impacts the outcomes of the cleaning process.
In this edition of the Ten Factors of Cleaning series, Stephen Kovach explains how the dilution and concentration of detergents is one of the critical factors of cleaning reusable medical devices.
Stephen Kovach speaks with host Kevin Anderson about how water is one of the 10 factors of cleaning and what we need to know about it.
Dr. Kaye and Dr. Roberts, from University of Michigan Medicine, share their story of multidisciplinary collaboration that led to finding the safest and most effective way to process n95 masks.
Stephen Kovach shares how temperature makes one of the ten critical factors of cleaning, and why you should be monitoring water temperature.
Kevin Anderson and Stephen Kovach continue the 10 factors of cleaning series, and discuss how industry standards impact our cleaning processes.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson discuss a third factor of the ten factors of cleaning... the human factor.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson discuss how the device design is one of the ten factors that effect the cleaning process.
In this episode, Stephen Kovach introduces the ten factors of cleaning. Then, Stephen takes a deeper dive into the IFU as one of the factors of cleaning.
In this episode, we talk with one of the members of Healthmark's sales team, Abby Markielewicz. She shares with us some of the unique services that she provides to help customers get the brushes they need.
In this episode, Kevin Anderson and John Whelan discuss delayed endoscope processing. John answers the questions, what is delayed processing and how do we do it correctly?
Kevin and Stephen Kovach discuss customer questions and feedback to previous episodes. Topics covered in this episode include knowing your ultrasonic IFU before you purchase, and how to manage your water quality.
In this special edition episode we talk with Harry Oussoren, Sterile Medical Device Expert from the Netherlands, and Adam Okada, SPD Educator from California. Harry and Adam share what has changed in their respective departments during the pandemic, and whether or not those changes will last after the pandemic.
Ultrasonic irrigators are indispensable pieces of equipment in any SPD. However, all of our cleaning equipment is subject to failure. We need to make sure that our equipment is working properly. In this episode, we talk with Stephen Kovach about how to know if our ultrasonic cleaners are cleaning the inside of lumens adequately.
Jackie shares with us observations and lessons learned regarding PPE during the pandemic.
Stephen Kovach explains ultrasonic cavitation, how to test for it, and why it is important.
Surgical schedules are picking up again, and in some cases, very quickly. We talk with Seth Hendee about what happens to our water when our equipment is not in use, and what we can do to ensure the water quality is where it needs to be to avoid any negative impact to our patients. For further guidance on water quality, check out the reference AAMI TIR34.
Michelle Hoste, SPD Manager and military veteran, shares how her team collaborated with other departments and Infection Control to come up with a way to safely process n95 masks, keeping their frontline equipped with the PPE they need to combat the pandemic.
Guest Educator, Seth Hendee speaks about how to ensure proper competency training. Seth was formerly an Educator for a large SPD and had a lot of experience performing competency trainings. He shares two main tips to help us do it right.
In this episode, we talk with Cheron Rojo, Clinical Educator at Healthmark about leak testers. Leak testing is a critical step in endoscope processing, but like many steps in the cycle of reusable medical devices can be prone to failure. Cheron shares with us great insight into how we make sure our leak tester is working.
In this episode, we finish our conversation with Healthmark's Educator Stephen Kovach about how to ensure proper cleaning of arthroscopic shavers.
In this episode, Kevin Anderson and Stephen Kovach discuss the keys to ensuring proper cleaning of arthroscopic shavers.
The covid19 pandemic has led to many sterile processing departments being asked to reprocess items that are outside the norm. In this episode, we ask Stephen Kovach how SPD can ensure proper transportation and labeling of contaminated items during these unprecedented times.