ConCensis: Recent Episodes
Censis
In healthcare environments where precision and accountability are paramount, sterile processing departments (SPDs) play a critical behind-the-scenes role. As hospitals worldwide embrace technology to close compliance gaps and improve operational transparency, the introduction of patient-centric tracking tools marks a major leap forward. Tying surgical instruments directly to patient records not only strengthens traceability—it reinforces trust in the system. At military and international medical facilities, where logistics are often more complex, having a robust tracking platform becomes essential. Modules tailored to specific needs, like patient tracking or loaner equipment, offer SPDs better oversight and support compliance with evolving standards. But the challenges don't end there—supply chain disruptions still pose a major hurdle, one that demands continued innovation and adaptability. To hear more about how this evolution plays out on the ground, meet Andrew Tony Green, Sterile Processing Manager at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and a frontline voice in the global SPD transformation.
In today’s fast-paced surgical environments, sterile processing departments (SPD) face rising pressure to deliver accuracy, speed, and accountability. Technology is no longer optional—it’s a necessity to meet these standards while supporting technician efficiency. With the complexity of instrumentation, especially in cases like ENT trays, traditional manual tracking can slow processes and leave room for errors. Solutions like CensiTrac are transforming this space by enabling visual and data-driven guidance that streamlines tray assembly and documentation. By integrating photo-based verification and robust reporting tools, SPDs can now reduce assembly time, improve traceability, and foster fair evaluations among staff. The result isn’t just faster processing—it’s stronger team morale and better alignment on performance. To understand how these gains are playing out on the ground, meet Alex Yanez, SPD Manager at Texas Health Flower Mound, as he shares firsthand how CensiTrac is changing the game.
In this impactful episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Yasmeen Hassan sits down with Robby Miller, Sterile Processing Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Center, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the field of sterile processing. With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare, Miller shares his journey from EMT to SPD leader, offering a candid look at how technology like CensisAI² is elevating efficiency, quality, and patient safety in surgical environments.
Miller unpacks the evolving challenges in sterile processing—from regulatory compliance to managing increasingly complex surgical instruments—and explains how AI-driven tools are helping teams deliver cleaner, safer, and more reliable results. He also discusses the vital role of leadership in building processes, setting KPIs, and fostering a culture of continuous learning across healthcare teams.
Key Takeaways:* CensisAI² enables real-time tracking, performance coaching, and better compliance by transforming departmental data into actionable insights, allowing SPD leaders to fine-tune staffing, productivity, and tray quality with confidence. * AI is helping reduce instrument errors and boost quality assurance by identifying trends in missing instruments, monitoring staff accuracy, and enabling predictive resource planning for high-volume surgical schedules. * The future of sterile processing lies in automation and standardization, where tools like CensisAI² will support leaner tray assemblies, streamlined training for new technicians, and aggregated IFU data to ensure safer reprocessing at scale. * Technology is most effective when paired with human leadership and clear communication, with Miller emphasizing the importance of educating staff on both the “how” and the “why” to drive successful tech adoption and buy-in.
As sterile processing continues to evolve, Miller’s insights highlight how AI can serve as an extension—not a replacement—of the skilled technicians behind the scenes. Through smart deployment and a commitment to excellence, the future of surgical safety looks brighter, more efficient, and more connected than ever.
In this insightful episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Amy Chodroff welcomes Dr. Arpita Hazra, a Clinical Patient Safety Data Specialist, to explore the evolving landscape of patient safety, risk management, and AI in healthcare. Drawing from her background in internal medicine, public health, and clinical data science, Dr. Hazra provides a compelling look at how hospitals and surgical centers can minimize risk—particularly through better sterilization, communication, and the integration of AI technologies.
The conversation highlights real-world challenges, such as retained surgical instruments and post-op infections, and introduces the power of tools like CensisAI² in helping to automate instrument counts, improve documentation, and drive better patient outcomes. Dr. Hazra also emphasizes the importance of transparency and stakeholder involvement in the adoption of new technologies in the clinical environment.
Key Takeaways:* Sterile processing errors can lead to increased hospital stays, readmissions, and legal risks—emphasizing the need for precise, accountable systems. * RFID and AI-driven tools are improving documentation and surgical instrument tracking, helping reduce retained foreign objects and post-op complications. * CensisAI² supports hospitals with sterilization, inspection, and backend data reporting, enabling predictive analytics and better decision-making. * Technology adoption succeeds when frontline staff are involved early, and communication around purpose and data usage is transparent and consistent.
As healthcare systems continue to modernize, Dr. Hazra’s insights underscore the critical role of combining human vigilance with advanced tools to improve outcomes. By embracing innovation thoughtfully and fostering open dialogue across teams, hospitals can reduce risk, build trust, and ultimately deliver safer, more reliable care.
The sterile processing industry is on the brink of a revolution, driven by the power of artificial intelligence. As healthcare facilities seek to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and optimize workflow, AI has emerged as a pivotal tool in supporting sterile processing professionals. Industry leader Hank Balch, co-founder and president of Healthcare HQ, is at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for AI’s role as a critical ally rather than a replacement for human expertise.
In this episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Amy Chodroff sat down with Balch to explore how AI is reshaping the sterile processing landscape. Their discussion provided valuable insights into the intersection of AI and SPD, highlighting both its potential and its limitations. The conversation covered:
- AI as a Supportive Tool, Not a Replacement: AI enhances sterile processing efficiency by assisting with tasks, but human professionals remain at the heart of critical decision-making and process improvements.
- Eliminating the “Dull, Dirty, and Dangerous” Tasks: AI is already being implemented to assist in removing repetitive, hazardous, and time-consuming responsibilities in sterile processing, improving efficiency and safety.
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap: AI platforms like ChatGPT are providing real-time solutions to common SPD challenges, from calculating Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) to identifying workflow inefficiencies.
- The Future of AI in Sterile Processing: While AI adoption in SPD is still in its early stages, its trajectory is undeniable. Professionals must decide whether to proactively integrate AI into their workflows or risk being left behind as the industry evolves.
Balch’s passion for innovation is evident as he encourages sterile processing professionals to embrace AI as a strategic partner. He emphasizes that while AI will never replace human expertise, it has the potential to significantly enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
As the industry continues to navigate technological advancements, Balch leaves listeners with a call to action: adapt, explore, and lead the charge in integrating AI into sterile processing.
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus here taking a quick break from the hustle and bustle of my workshop to share some festive cheer and exciting updates from our friends at Censis Technologies.
Censis Technologies celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey as a leader in sterile processing software. In a special podcast episode, host Gabrielle Bejarano leads a panel discussion with key members of the Censis team to reflect on the company’s history, culture, and impact on the healthcare industry.
The panel features Seamus Johnson, Darlene Shelton, Callum Johnson, Lee Fallon, Jacob Long, and Melissa Higgins. Together, they share insights into the company’s evolution, the unique workplace culture, and what makes Censis stand out after 25 years of innovatio, including highlights such as:
- Censis’ Unique Culture: The panelists emphasize the tight-knit, supportive environment that defines the Censis culture. With a team size that has grown from fewer than 30 employees to around 150, the company maintains a family-like atmosphere where employees feel deeply connected. Seamus Johnson, who has been with the company for 20 years, states, “It’s absolutely the people. We’ve always had a small company culture, and that’s made all the difference.”
- Innovation and Growth Over the Years: Seamus Johnson and his brother Callum, both long-standing employees, reflect on the early days of the company. Seamus shares how the company hosted its first server in a developer’s basement and now manages thousands of servers globally. Callum adds that the journey from paper-based processes to advanced electronic systems has been transformative, especially as hospitals transitioned to Censis’ digital solutions.
- Customer Impact and Product Development: Lee Fallon and Darlene Shelton highlight how Censis’ products have dramatically improved hospital workflows and patient outcomes. Darlene notes that her motivation comes from knowing that Censis’ technology directly impacts patient care, while Lee describes how hospitals have expressed immense gratitude for moving away from error-prone paper systems to streamlined digital processes. Fallon shares, “We brought CensiTrac into hospitals and saw firsthand how happy teams were to replace outdated paper records.”
- Memorable Milestones and Stories: From the early days of startup challenges to moments of personal growth, the panelists reflect on significant milestones. Seamus recalls the surreal experience of seeing the company’s software in use at hospitals for the first time, describing it as an “out-of-body experience.” The team also shares stories of implementing their solutions in hospitals across the U.S., forming strong relationships with customers, and witnessing how their products make a difference in real-world settings.
- Censis' Innovative Technology: AI Squared: One of the most impactful product launches discussed is the introduction of AI Squared, an advanced tool that has been a game-changer for sterile processing departments (SPD). Darlene Shelton, who has experience working directly in these departments, notes how AI Squared provides actionable data that helps directors make informed staffing decisions and improve efficiency.
Most importantly, however, the team reflects on what the 25th anniversary means for each individual, celebrating both the company’s journey and their own contributions to Censis Technologies' lasting success. They emphasize that the company’s mission has remained consistent—innovating for the sake of improving healthcare workflows and enhancing patient outcomes.
With 25 years behind them, the team at Censis Technologies looks forward to continuing that mission for many more years to come. rest of the panel, Censis’ success is a testament to the dedication and innovation that have defined the company over the past quarter-century.
Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.
Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.
Censis Technologies’ leadership is thrilled about what this year’s conference will offer. Sheena Moore, President of Censis Technologies, is gearing up for her first-ever CtUC, and she’s fired up about the potential this event holds. For her, CtUC 2024 is all about learning from clients and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This is your chance to be part of something bigger, where new technologies will be unveiled, challenges will be tackled head-on, and the focus will remain on the ultimate goal: delivering superior patient care across the globe.
Yeejo Chen, VP of Product and Marketing, is excited to dive into the heart of what makes Censis tick—its customers. At CtUC 2024, you’ll experience firsthand how Censis collaborates with its clients to create solutions that don’t just meet the present needs but anticipate the future. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s the driving force behind every product and service. Expect to leave CtUC 2024 with new insights, tools, and a network that empowers you to solve problems, improve workflows, and enhance patient outcomes like never before.
Chief Technology Officer Harshal Guradia promises that CtUC 2024 will put innovation in the spotlight, especially with AI and advanced technologies that are transforming the sterile processing industry. With a commitment to accelerating product development and enhancing customer support, Censis is leading the charge in revolutionizing healthcare. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting journey, where cutting-edge technology meets real-world application, and where you’ll walk away empowered to make a real impact in your organization. CtUC 2024 is set to be a game-changer—be there to witness it!
Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.
Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.
Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.
Censis Technologies’ leadership is thrilled about what this year’s conference will offer. Sheena Moore, President of Censis Technologies, is gearing up for her first-ever CtUC, and she’s fired up about the potential this event holds. For her, CtUC 2024 is all about learning from clients and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This is your chance to be part of something bigger, where new technologies will be unveiled, challenges will be tackled head-on, and the focus will remain on the ultimate goal: delivering superior patient care across the globe.
Yeejo Chen, VP of Product and Marketing, is excited to dive into the heart of what makes Censis tick—its customers. At CtUC 2024, you’ll experience firsthand how Censis collaborates with its clients to create solutions that don’t just meet the present needs but anticipate the future. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s the driving force behind every product and service. Expect to leave CtUC 2024 with new insights, tools, and a network that empowers you to solve problems, improve workflows, and enhance patient outcomes like never before.
Chief Technology Officer Harshal Guradia promises that CtUC 2024 will put innovation in the spotlight, especially with AI and advanced technologies that are transforming the sterile processing industry. With a commitment to accelerating product development and enhancing customer support, Censis is leading the charge in revolutionizing healthcare. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting journey, where cutting-edge technology meets real-world application, and where you’ll walk away empowered to make a real impact in your organization. CtUC 2024 is set to be a game-changer—be there to witness it!
The healthcare sector suffered a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing high-quality services to patients is a priority. However, for healthcare facilities to run properly, managers and directors must make operational and strategic decisions, especially in the perioperative setting. Efficient operating room (OR) management involves maintaining equilibrium between optimal OR capacity, allocation of ORs to surgeons, assignment of staff, ordering of materials, and reliable scheduling while giving the highest priority to patient safety.
But what are the challenges in SPD Management and ensuring high-quality perioperative services?
On a recent episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Michelle Mooney sat down with Brian Dawson, the System VP of Perioperative Services for CommonSpirit Health, to discuss the challenges in measuring productivity in the perioperative setting and SPD. Measuring productivity in the OR is totally different from the sterile processing department. AAMI, one of the SPD governing bodies, has developed a chart indicating the average time required to perform various tasks. Tasks are categorized into four levels.
With this information, Censis can monitor the tasks done in SPD to determine the number of staff required based on workload.
“Most facilities like CommonSpirit Health measure OR productivity through minutes of service- how many minutes do patients spend in the OR and how many people are required to care for them,” Dawson said. “Then, based on that, we can look at how many minutes were used in the OR and how many staff were required, and then we can determine if it is balanced, over, or under productivity. The big picture is to have a comprehensive data sharing which allows for proper assignment, division, and staff utilization.”
Final words to other healthcare facilities that need a tool to measure productivity: find one that suits your procedural area so you can capitalize on the asset you have to generate revenue.
Brian Dawson, the System VP of Perioperative Services at CommonSpirit Health, holds a Bachelor of Science-Nursing degree from American University and a Master’s of Science-Nursing and Health Care Administration degree from Old Dominion University. With over 28 years of nursing experience, his insights offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of perioperative and SPD management.
In this episode of the ConCensis podcast by Censis Technologies, host Gabrielle Bejarano spotlights the Kevin Bevill Facility Awards winners at CtUC 2023. This accolade is a testament to outstanding healthcare facility management and process optimization achievements.
Gabrielle welcomes Tyrenie Davis, the CensiTrac Coordinator at the VA North Texas, who shares insights into her team’s journey toward this prestigious recognition. Davis explains the transformative impact of incorporating data-driven strategies in their sterile processing department, emphasizing the importance of proactive decision-making over-reactive approaches.
Critical insights from the conversation include the importance of using data to identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and anticipate potential issues. Davis also highlights the value of cross-departmental collaboration, continuous professional development, and the strategic use of tools like CensiTrac to maintain high standards and ensure patient safety.
Article by MarketScale
CtUC 2023 Trailblazers are at the forefront of transforming hospital operations, particularly in sterile processing and logistics, as highlighted in a recent episode of the ConCensis podcast. The healthcare industry, driven by technological advancements and the need to improve patient outcomes, continuously seeks solutions to optimize processes and ensure compliance with health regulations—a challenge successfully navigated by these trailblazers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
What does it take to revolutionize hospital logistics to significantly benefit patient care? Host Gabrielle Bejarano discusses this question with CtUC 2023 Trailblazers at Michael E. DeBakey VA, Timothy Reese, the Associate Chief Nurse of Operations, Dr. David Green, Deputy Chief of the Operative Care Line and Chief of Orthopedics and Podiatry, and Quentin LaCour, the CensiTrac Coordinator. These leaders share their experiences and innovations that have dramatically improved the efficiency of hospital operations.
Bejarano’s conversation with Reese, Green, and LaCour includes the following highlights:
•Loaner Process Optimization: The transformation of a chaotic loaner process into a streamlined system that ensures timely and accurate delivery of surgical instruments
•Implementation of the LoanerLink System: A digital solution that bridges the gap between surgery schedules and sterile processing, drastically reducing errors and delays
•Impact on Staff and Operations: Improvements that enhanced compliance with VA mandates and boosted morale and accountability among the staff
Timothy Reese’s role is pivotal in overseeing the sterile processing services at the medical center. He collaborates closely with Dr. David Green and Quentin LaCour, focusing their expertise in healthcare and military precision on overcoming everyday challenges in hospital logistics.
Dr. David Green manages the entire Operative Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. He is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and directs their residency programs, emphasizing sports and joint fellowships.
Quentin LaCour, the CensiTrac coordinator, has progressed from a regular technician to a leader in tracking all instrumentation, trays, and sterilization records at the facility. His leadership has been crucial in implementing new systems that enhance efficiency and accountability within the medical center.
This episode highlights the achievements of the CtUC 2023 Trailblazers. It is an inspiring example for other healthcare facilities striving to enhance operational efficiencies and ensure better patient care through advanced logistical practices.
In this insightful episode of the ConCensis podcast, presented by Censis Technologies, we delve into the transformative journey of CaroMont Health in optimizing its sterile processing department using Censis’ newest addition to the CensisAI2 Platform, Instrument Recovery. Our distinguished guests from Caromont Health—Marty McGee, Angela Huntley, James Freeman, and Avery Teague—share their firsthand experiences and the remarkable impact of integrating this technology into their operations.
Before the implementation of CensisAI2 Instrument Recovery, the CaroMont Health Team faced challenges with missing surgical instruments—a common pain point that resulted in delays, financial losses, and operational inefficiencies. The transition from manual tracking to a sophisticated AI-driven solution marked a pivotal shift towards operational excellence, allowing the team to save instruments, money, and time.
Throughout the discussion, the guests highlight the tangible benefits of adopting CensisAI2 Instrument Recovery, including the ability to pinpoint the exact location and time of missing instruments, thereby significantly reducing the incidence of lost items. This capability not only facilitates quick recovery and accountability but also fosters a culture of transparency and trust among the sterile processing team and their collaborators in the operating room (OR).
Moreover, the episode explores the financial implications of missing instruments, underscoring the substantial cost savings achieved through the actionable insight-driven approach. With detailed analytics and reporting, CaroMont Health has managed to save over $20,000 in a span of seven weeks, underscoring the economic advantage of leveraging technology in sterile processing.
The guests also reflect on the broader implications of this technological adoption for the sterile processing industry, advocating for a shift towards data-driven management practices to enhance efficiency, patient safety, and financial stewardship in healthcare facilities.
This episode of ConCensis offers a compelling narrative on the transformative power of technology in addressing long-standing challenges in sterile processing, presenting listeners with actionable insights and inspiring stories of innovation, collaboration, and success in the pursuit of excellence in healthcare operations.
In this inspiring episode of ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Frank delves into the remarkable journey and philosophy of Yves Theodule, the 2023 recipient of the prestigious CtUC Kevin Beville Leadership Award. With over three decades in the field of sterile processing, currently thriving at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Yves shares invaluable insights into his leadership style, the significance of certification in sterile processing, and his innovative approaches to fostering teamwork and excellence within his department.
Yves believes in leading with the heart, emphasizing the importance of caring for his team not just professionally but personally. This approach has not only cultivated a highly motivated and efficient team but also fostered an environment where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth and learning. Yves' dedication to pushing for certifications within his team has elevated the standard of work, ensuring quality and competency in every task undertaken.
A standout moment in our conversation is the introduction of a unique team-building exercise involving the classic game Operation, ingeniously tailored to underscore the pressures and responsibilities faced in sterile processing and the OR. This exercise, among others, has significantly enhanced team cohesion and understanding of the critical role they play in patient care.
Moreover, Yves extends his leadership beyond the confines of the hospital, actively contributing to his community by providing free sterile processing education. This initiative not only addresses the industry's need for skilled professionals but also empowers individuals within the community with valuable career opportunities.
The podcast also highlights the creation of the Health Digest Service Excellence Value Award, an initiative by Yves to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes in sterile processing. This award exemplifies the culture of appreciation and respect Yves has instilled in his department, further cementing his status as a visionary leader.
Yves' story is a testament to the impact of heart-led leadership, the power of education, and the value of community engagement. His strategies for team building, professional development, and inter-departmental collaboration offer a blueprint for creating a thriving, inclusive, and efficient workplace.
Listeners will leave this episode inspired by Yves' dedication, creativity, and compassionate leadership, armed with actionable insights to implement in their professional environments.
Get your CE certificate here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/leading_with_the_heart_theodule
In this inspiring episode of ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Frank delves into the remarkable journey and philosophy of Yves Theodule, the 2023 recipient of the prestigious CtUC Kevin Beville Leadership Award. With over three decades in the field of sterile processing, currently thriving at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Yves shares invaluable insights into his leadership style, the significance of certification in sterile processing, and his innovative approaches to fostering teamwork and excellence within his department.
Yves believes in leading with the heart, emphasizing the importance of caring for his team not just professionally but personally. This approach has not only cultivated a highly motivated and efficient team but also fostered an environment where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth and learning. Yves' dedication to pushing for certifications within his team has elevated the standard of work, ensuring quality and competency in every task undertaken.
A standout moment in our conversation is the introduction of a unique team-building exercise involving the classic game Operation, ingeniously tailored to underscore the pressures and responsibilities faced in sterile processing and the OR. This exercise, among others, has significantly enhanced team cohesion and understanding of the critical role they play in patient care.
Moreover, Yves extends his leadership beyond the confines of the hospital, actively contributing to his community by providing free sterile processing education. This initiative not only addresses the industry's need for skilled professionals but also empowers individuals within the community with valuable career opportunities.
The podcast also highlights the creation of the Health Digest Service Excellence Value Award, an initiative by Yves to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes in sterile processing. This award exemplifies the culture of appreciation and respect Yves has instilled in his department, further cementing his status as a visionary leader.
Yves' story is a testament to the impact of heart-led leadership, the power of education, and the value of community engagement. His strategies for team building, professional development, and inter-departmental collaboration offer a blueprint for creating a thriving, inclusive, and efficient workplace.
Listeners will leave this episode inspired by Yves' dedication, creativity, and compassionate leadership, armed with actionable insights to implement in their professional environments.
In the latest episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Vanessa Canvanaugh dives into a compelling discussion with Mark Copeland, Vice President of Sales at 3T Medical Systems, exploring the transformative power of Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) in healthcare facilities. This conversation highlights the critical role SPDs play beyond their traditional view as cost centers, showcasing them as essential cogs in the multi-billion dollar, high-tech operating room ecosystem. Specifically, the two discuss:
- The misconceptions surrounding SPDs and their pivotal role in operational success and patient safety.
- The economic implications of sterile processing and the importance of data-driven decision-making for SPD enhancements.
- Strategies for SPD professionals to advocate for necessary improvements, leveraging detailed economic analysis and teamwork analogies.
They also touch on the necessity of modernizing SPD equipment, detailing the financial and operational benefits of such investments, and specifically emphasizing the significance of collaboration across departments to achieve healthcare excellence.
With over two decades of experience in the medical, pharma, and biotech sectors with a particular emphasis on medical device sales and sterile processing departments, Mark Copeland enriches this episode as an invaluable resource. His insights are crucial for SPD professionals looking to spearhead departmental enhancements, healthcare administrators contemplating investments in SPD infrastructure, and those intrigued by the confluence of healthcare operations and patient care. With his extensive background, Copeland provides listeners with the essential knowledge and motivation required to implement positive changes and make strategic investments in SPDs, all with the goal of attaining superior healthcare outcomes.
For those looking to delve deeper into the economics of sterile processing, kindly click the link: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/sterileprocessingeconomics
In the latest episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh dives into a compelling discussion with Mark Copeland, Vice President of Sales at 3T Medical Systems, exploring the transformative power of Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) in healthcare facilities. This conversation highlights the critical role SPDs play beyond their traditional view as cost centers, showcasing them as essential cogs in the multi-billion dollar, high-tech operating room ecosystem. Specifically, the two discuss:
- The misconceptions surrounding SPDs and their pivotal role in operational success and patient safety.
- The economic implications of sterile processing and the importance of data-driven decision-making for SPD enhancements.
- Strategies for SPD professionals to advocate for necessary improvements, leveraging detailed economic analysis and teamwork analogies.
They also touch on the necessity of modernizing SPD equipment, detailing the financial and operational benefits of such investments, and specifically emphasizing the significance of collaboration across departments to achieve healthcare excellence.
With over two decades of experience in the medical, pharma, and biotech sectors with a particular emphasis on medical device sales and sterile processing departments, Mark Copeland enriches this episode as an invaluable resource. His insights are crucial for SPD professionals looking to spearhead departmental enhancements, healthcare administrators contemplating investments in SPD infrastructure, and those intrigued by the confluence of healthcare operations and patient care. With his extensive background, Copeland provides listeners with the essential knowledge and motivation required to implement positive changes and make strategic investments in SPDs, all with the goal of attaining superior healthcare outcomes.
For those looking to delve deeper into the economics of sterile processing, kindly click the link: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/sterileprocessingeconomics
How does achieving a HITRUST cybersecurity certification redefine the security posture and customer trust for companies like Censis Technologies and their clients?
In this insightful episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh engages with Brandi Guest, a Security Operations Engineer at Censis, and Myles Templin, an Associate Manager at A-LIGN, delving into the rigorous journey and significant impact of obtaining a HITRUST cybersecurity certification.
“We wanted [the HITRUST certification] so we could say to customers, look, we went the extra mile,” Guest explained.
“Census achieved the i1 assessment,” Templin said. “That was actually new as of last year, 2022. They reinvented it in 2023, making it more streamlined and fitting with the others.”
How does achieving a HITRUST cybersecurity certification redefine the security posture and customer trust for companies like Censis Technologies and their clients?
In this insightful episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh engages with Brandi Guest, a Security Operations Engineer at Censis, and Myles Templin, an Associate Manager at A-LIGN, delving into the rigorous journey and significant impact of obtaining a HITRUST cybersecurity certification.
“We wanted [the HITRUST certification] so we could say to customers, look, we went the extra mile,” Guest explained.
“Census achieved the i1 assessment,” Templin said. “That was actually new as of last year, 2022. They reinvented it in 2023, making it more streamlined and fitting with the others.”
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has emerged as a beacon of healthcare innovation, particularly in the realm of sterile processing, setting new benchmarks in healthcare efficiency and patient safety. Their journey, marked by significant achievements and culminating in the prestigious 2023 Ron Hesch Award, reflects a deep commitment to advancing healthcare practices. In an industry continually reshaped by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Pines stands out for its exceptional approach to operational excellence and patient care.
In the latest episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh engages with Sheryl Eder, the Assistant Chief Nurse of Perioperative & Sterile Processing Service, in a conversation that sheds light on the strategies behind Bay Pines' success. They delve into the innovative methods and leadership techniques that positioned Bay Pines as a leader in healthcare services. The two discuss:
- Sheryl Eder's unique approach to staff engagement and leadership transformed the sterile processing department.
- The role of advanced tracking systems in enhancing sterilization processes and staff efficiency.
- How the Bay Pines team navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, including innovative N95 mask reprocessing.
Sheryl Eder's extensive background in nursing and healthcare management, complemented by her educational achievements and industry recognition, has been a cornerstone in fostering healthcare innovation within her department.. Her proactive and hands-on leadership style has led to significant advancements in healthcare practices.
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has emerged as a beacon of healthcare innovation, particularly in the realm of sterile processing, setting new benchmarks in healthcare efficiency and patient safety. Their journey, marked by significant achievements and culminating in the prestigious 2023 Ron Hesch Award, reflects a deep commitment to advancing healthcare practices. In an industry continually reshaped by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Pines stands out for its exceptional approach to operational excellence and patient care.
In the latest episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh engages with Sheryl Eder, the Assistant Chief Nurse of Perioperative & Sterile Processing Service, in a conversation that sheds light on the strategies behind Bay Pines' success. They delve into the innovative methods and leadership techniques that positioned Bay Pines as a leader in healthcare services. The two discuss:
- Sheryl Eder's unique approach to staff engagement and leadership transformed the sterile processing department.
- The role of advanced tracking systems in enhancing sterilization processes and staff efficiency.
- How the Bay Pines team navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, including innovative N95 mask reprocessing.
Sheryl Eder's extensive background in nursing and healthcare management, complemented by her educational achievements and industry recognition, has been a cornerstone in fostering healthcare innovation within her department. Her proactive and hands-on leadership style has led to significant advancements in healthcare practices.
This episode of the ConCensis podcast looks into the critical world of sterile processing with CtUC 2023 platinum sponsor Kem Medical Products Corp. Host Vanessa Cavanaugh and guest Mark Ebenstein, VP of Products and Services at Kem Medical, discuss the tools and strategies that ensure safety in healthcare environments. Together, they explore Kem Medical’s integral contributions to sterile processing and Ebenstein’s journey within the industry.
The conversation reveals Kem Medical’s comprehensive range of products designed for sterile and surgical environments, from monitoring badges to neutralizing solutions and spill kits. Ebenstein shares his insights on transitioning from a large corporation to a smaller, more hands-on company and the importance of specialized products for sterile processing departments. Listeners and viewers will get an insider’s perspective on the challenges and solutions that Kem Medical provides, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients.
This episode of the ConCensis podcast looks into the critical world of sterile processing with CtUC 2023 platinum sponsor Kem Medical Products Corp. Host Vanessa Cavanaugh and guest Mark Ebenstein, VP of Products and Services at Kem Medical, discuss the tools and strategies that ensure safety in healthcare environments. Together, they explore Kem Medical’s integral contributions to sterile processing and Ebenstein’s journey within the industry.
The conversation reveals Kem Medical’s comprehensive range of products designed for sterile and surgical environments, from monitoring badges to neutralizing solutions and spill kits. Ebenstein shares his insights on transitioning from a large corporation to a smaller, more hands-on company and the importance of specialized products for sterile processing departments. Listeners and viewers will get an insider’s perspective on the challenges and solutions that Kem Medical provides, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients.
When it comes to handling change, look no further than Censis’ CtUC 2023 Change Maker Award winner Alina Easley for advice.
With its rapidly evolving technological advancements, the healthcare sector aims to streamline operations and improve patient care. This transformation often requires a marriage of technical skills and change management to ensure that healthcare professionals are adept at using new tools while being open to altering traditional work processes. Alina Easley, the recent recipient of the 2023 CtUC Change Maker Award, is a testament to this hybrid approach, spearheading changes that transitioned her department from paper documentation to an optimized digital system, thus elevating operational efficacy. Better tech adoption can significantly reduce administrative burden errors and improve patient outcomes.
How can healthcare facilities overcome resistance and integrate modern technologies into their workflow, ensuring efficiency and staff satisfaction?
In the latest episode of ConCensis, host Gabrielle Bejarano invites Alina Easley,a CensiTrac Coordinator and the 2023 CtUC Change Maker Award Winner for an enlightening discussion. The conversation dives into Alina’s journey, her strategies for overcoming resistance to change, and how her initiatives have significantly benefited her department by reducing paper documentation and streamlining processes.
Bejarano and Easley discuss the following:
•Continuous education and explaining how the "why" can gain staff acceptance to change
•Utilizing a network of resources and peers to professionally develop as a leader
•Collaborating and receiving feedback from staff to successfully adopt new technology
Alina Easley, with her background as the CensiTrac Coordinator for Central Texas VA and Austin Outpatient Clinic, has been pivotal in ensuring the functionality of CensiTrac at her facilities. Her role doesn’t stop at being a technical coordinator, it extends to being an educator and change manager, addressing hardware issues and leading the charge in deploying new features and processes.
When it comes to handling change, look no further than Censis’ CtUC 2023 Change Maker Award winner Alina Easley for advice.
With its rapidly evolving technological advancements, the healthcare sector aims to streamline operations and improve patient care. This transformation often requires a marriage of technical skills and change management to ensure that healthcare professionals are adept at using new tools while being open to altering traditional work processes. Alina Easley, the recent recipient of the 2023 CtUC Change Maker Award, is a testament to this hybrid approach, spearheading changes that transitioned her department from paper documentation to an optimized digital system, thus elevating operational efficacy. Better tech adoption can significantly reduce administrative burden errors and improve patient outcomes.
How can healthcare facilities overcome resistance and integrate modern technologies into their workflow, ensuring efficiency and staff satisfaction?
In the latest episode of ConCensis, host Gabrielle Bejarano invites Alina Easley,a CensiTrac Coordinator and the 2023 CtUC Change Maker Award Winner for an enlightening discussion. The conversation dives into Alina’s journey, her strategies for overcoming resistance to change, and how her initiatives have significantly benefited her department by reducing paper documentation and streamlining processes.
Bejarano and Easley discuss the following:
•Continuous education and explaining how the "why" can gain staff acceptance to change
•Utilizing a network of resources and peers to professionally develop as a leader
•Collaborating and receiving feedback from staff to successfully adopt new technology
Alina Easley, with her background as the CensiTrac Coordinator for Central Texas VA and Austin Outpatient Clinic, has been pivotal in ensuring the functionality of CensiTrac at her facilities. Her role doesn’t stop at being a technical coordinator, it extends to being an educator and change manager, addressing hardware issues and leading the charge in deploying new features and processes.
Creating an instrument management standardization program for multiple facilities shouldn’t be a hassle and shouldn’t require mounds of physical paperwork.
In today’s digital age, reliance on paper processes in healthcare institutions is outdated and wasteful. According to recent data, American healthcare institutions waste more than five million tons of paper annually. This environmental degradation results in significant energy waste and increased costs. As healthcare institutions strive to adopt sustainable practices, the shift from paper to digital processes is imperative.
So, how can healthcare institutions transition from paper-heavy processes to more sustainable digital solutions that are also cost-effective?
Welcome to ConSensis, a Censis Technologies podcast. In this episode, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Robby Miller, Sterile Processing Department Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, to discuss the importance of instrument management standardization in multiple facilities.
Bejarano and Miller discuss the following:
•The environmental and cost implications of relying on paper processes in healthcare
•The challenges surrounding paper record retention and access
•The benefits of transitioning to digital solutions like CensiTrac for efficient instrument management
•Practical steps and strategies for healthcare institutions to adopt sustainable practices.
Robby Miller is the Sterile Processing Department Manager at Saint Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. With over twenty-five years of experience at the facility and more than two decades leading sterile processing departments, Robby is a recognized expert in the field. He plays a pivotal role as a subject matter expert within his enterprise, Common Spirit Health, which spans 142 hospitals across 28 states. Robby's expertise extends to the implementation and benefits of CensiTrac, the instrument-tracking system used across the enterprise. His insights into the importance of instrument management systems and the need for standardization across multiple facilities make him a valuable voice in the industry.
Creating an instrument management standardization program for multiple facilities shouldn’t be a hassle and shouldn’t require mountains of physical paperwork.
In today’s digital age, reliance on paper processes in healthcare institutions is outdated and wasteful. According to recent data, American healthcare institutions waste more than five million tons of paper annually. This environmental degradation results in significant energy waste and increased costs. As healthcare institutions strive to adopt sustainable practices, the shift from paper to digital processes is imperative.
So, how can healthcare institutions transition from paper-heavy processes to more sustainable digital solutions that are also cost-effective?
Welcome to ConSensis, a Censis Technologies podcast. In this episode, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Robby Miller, Sterile Processing Department Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, to discuss the importance of instrument management standardization across multiple facilities.
Bejarano and Miller discuss the following:
•The environmental and cost implications of relying on paper processes in healthcare
•The challenges surrounding paper record retention and access
•The benefits of transitioning to digital solutions like CensiTrac for efficient instrument management
•Practical steps and strategies for healthcare institutions to adopt sustainable practices.
With over twenty-five years of experience at the facility and more than two decades leading sterile processing departments, Robby is a recognized expert in the field. He plays a pivotal role as a subject matter expert within his enterprise, Common Spirit Health, which spans 142 hospitals across 28 states. Robby's expertise extends to the implementation and benefits of CensiTrac, the instrument-tracking system used across the enterprise. His insights into the importance of instrument management systems and the need for standardization across multiple facilities make him a valuable voice in the industry.
Despite its rapid technological advancements, the Sterile Processing industry faces a challenge: professionals often feel disconnected. The upcoming Censis Technologies Users Conference (CtUC) Connect 2023, scheduled from September 10-12 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, seeks to address this issue. A recent survey highlighted that 80% of professionals believe in-person conferences, like CtUC 2023, are essential for building meaningful connections and staying updated on industry best practices.
The Censis Technologies Users Conference promises more than a gathering; it’s a platform to elevate Sterile Processing excellence. Attendees can anticipate a blend of educational sessions, insights from industry experts, and invaluable networking opportunities.
What’s the central theme of this year's conference? How can Sterile Processing professionals maintain their edge in a rapidly evolving industry?
On this special episode of ConCensis, a podcast by Censis Technologies, presented by Kem Medical Products, host Gabrielle Bejarano, and a trio of Censis leaders provide answers and insights into the much-anticipated CtUC 2023. The episode features:
Censis President Poornima Gopalakrishnan, VP of Customer Support & Service Allison Flood, and VP of Products & Marketing Yizhou Chen covering the following topics:
•The significance of CtUC 2023, marking the first in-person conference since 2019
•The role of CtUC in advancing sterile processing innovation
•New product debuts and features launching at the conference
With her diverse experience in supply chain and sterile processing in Southwest Florida, Allison Flood now serves as the VP of Customer Success and Service at Censis. Yizhou Chen has a prosperous career spanning commercial and product management roles across multiple continents. Purnima Gopalakrishnan brings over a decade of experience in the dental industry, focusing on product management, marketing, and operations.
Despite its rapid technological advancements, the Sterile Processing industry faces a challenge: professionals often feel disconnected. The upcoming Censis Technologies Users Conference (CtUC) Connect 2023, scheduled from September 10-12 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, seeks to address this issue. A recent survey highlighted that 80% of professionals believe in-person conferences, like CtUC 2023, are essential for building meaningful connections and staying updated on industry best practices.
The Censis Technologies Users Conference promises more than a gathering; it’s a platform to elevate Sterile Processing excellence. Attendees can anticipate a blend of educational sessions, insights from industry experts, and invaluable networking opportunities.
What’s the central theme of this year's conference? How can Sterile Processing professionals maintain their edge in a rapidly evolving industry?
On this special episode of ConCensis, a podcast by Censis Technologies, presented by Kem Medical Products, host Gabrielle Bejarano, and a trio of Censis leaders provide answers and insights into the much-anticipated CtUC 2023. The episode features:
Censis President Poornima Gopalakrishnan, VP of Customer Support & Service Allison Flood, and VP of Products & Marketing Yizhou Chen covering the following topics:
•The significance of CtUC 2023, marking the first in-person conference since 2019
•The role of CtUC in advancing sterile processing innovation
•New product debuts and features launching at the conference
With her diverse experience in supply chain and sterile processing in Southwest Florida, Allison Flood now serves as the VP of Customer Success and Service at Censis. Yizhou Chen has a prosperous career spanning commercial and product management roles across multiple continents. Purnima Gopalakrishnan brings over a decade of experience in the dental industry, focusing on product management, marketing, and operations.
With the world continuing to grapple with the aftermath of COVID-19, healthcare facilities are finding it harder than ever to recruit and retain qualified staff. The high cost of living, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly competitive job market have created a perfect storm, leading to a whopping 77 percent of employers struggling to fill positions, according to a Manpower Talent survey. Nearly every industry is experiencing recruitment challenges, even healthcare, which is ultimately leading to new strategizing. But the stakes are high and without adequate staff, healthcare facilities can’t operate at full capacity, threatening their survival and the broader economic recovery.
How do healthcare facilities navigate this tough recruitment landscape? What strategies can they employ to not only attract, but also retain the talent they desperately need? On the latest “ConCensis” podcast, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomed guest Brian Reynolds, the Assistant Chief of Sterile Processing Services at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach Florida to explore how it’s affected the field of sterile processing. The two dived into the heart of recruitment woes, and discussed the root causes of these staffing problems, potential solutions, and the implications of current trends on the future of hiring.
Bejarano and Reynolds talked more on:
● How offering competitive pay is crucial to attract and retain talent
● Collaboration between HR and the hiring department to ensure new hires are supported for a smooth and strong onboarding
● Providing continuous development opportunities to improve skills and increase job satisfaction and retention.
Brian Reynolds is the Assistant Chief of Sterile Processing Services at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach Florida and has a wealth of experience in recruitment having navigated recruiting challenges firsthand in his role. Reynolds has a rich background in healthcare with over three decades of experience in the sterile processing field.
Get your CE certificate here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/PowerPanel-Quality-vs-Productivity-the-Sterile-Processing-Battle-Royale
There is a long-standing debate in sterile processing of quality vs. productivity. It's a pivotal juncture, fueled by technological advancements and stricter regulatory measures. Approximately 0.5% to 3% of patients undergoing surgery experiences an infection at or adjacent to the surgical incision site, highlighting the critical need for effective sterile processing.
Can the industry find the right balance between productivity and quality, or does one inevitably come at the expense of the other?
Welcome to this episode of Con-Censis, where we put industry experts head-to-head in the debate on quality vs. productivity in sterile processing. Hank Balch, Founder and President of Beyond Clean, moderates a Power Panel of experts comprising of Seamus Johnson, Sr. Director of Application Development at Censis Technologies, Courtney Mace Davis, Director of Sterile Processing at NorthShore University Health System, and Lila Price, a sterile processing leader, advocate, and author. Together, they examine the labyrinth of sterilization procedures, the role of technology, and their implications for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Highlights from this sterile processing battle royale include:
Analyzing the evolving definitions of quality and productivity in sterile processing
Discussing the pivotal role technology plays in increasing productivity without compromising quality
Scrutinizing the challenges and expectations that sterile processing departments face in balancing quality and productivity
Hank Balch is an industry veteran with over a decade of experience in sterile processing. Starting as a front-line technician in 2009, Balch worked up to managerial positions in health systems across Kentucky and Texas. In 2017, he founded Beyond Clean, a clinical education and networking platform known for its insightful podcasts and virtual events.
Seamus Johnson, with nearly two decades of experience at Censis Technologies, primarily focuses on writing code and leads the company's innovation team. His in-depth exploration of the data behind productivity and quality brings a unique perspective to the discussion.
Courtney Mace Davis, who transitioned from a quality manager for a medical device company to the Director of Sterile Processing, lends her expertise in medical devices and process improvement to the conversation. With twelve years of experience in sterile processing, her insights into quality control are instrumental.
Lila Price, a seasoned sterile processing technician since 2010, offers an on-the-ground perspective. Price has amassed diverse experiences as a traveling manager and brings an invaluable perspective on the real-world implications of the quality vs. productivity debate.
Together, these panelists aim to shed light on the pressing challenges faced by sterile processing professionals, shaping a more informed, efficient, and patient-focused industry.
Preventing HAIs (healthcare-acquired infections) is critical in sterilization and quality control processing. Maintaining AAMI ST-91 guidelines ensures adherence to the latest sterilization and quality control methods for endoscopes. And with over 51.4 million inpatient surgeries performed in the U.S. each year, keeping up-to-date guidelines for AAMI ST-91 is paramount.
How do the updated AAMI ST-91 guidelines improve endoscope reprocessing and enhance compliance?
In this ConCensis episode brought to you by Censis Technologies, host Gabrielle Bejarano discusses the updates to the AAMI ST-91 guidelines, focusing on endoscope reprocessing. The discussion addresses the challenges and importance of proper cleaning, the impact of ST-91 requirements, and the role of electronic tracking systems in enhancing compliance and patient safety. Kelly Swails, Clinical Business Manager at Censis Technologies, and Mary Ann Drosnock, Director of Clinical Affairs at Healthmark Industries joined Bejarano to delve into the challenges associated with endoscope reprocessing, the significance of the AAMI ST-91 guidelines, and the implementation of electronic tracking systems to streamline processes and improve patient safety.
Bejarano’s discussion with Swails and Drosnock includes:
- The challenge of endoscope cleaning and the significance of the ST-91 guidelines:
- AAMI (Association for the Advancement in Medical Instrumentation) and its role in enhancing compliance and patient safety
- Adoption and impact of updated guidelines
About Kelly
Kelly Swails is the Clinical Business Manager at Censis Technologies with experience in endoscope reprocessing and implementing electronic tracking systems. She received her M.A. in organization leadership from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.
About Mary Ann
Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock is the Director of Clinical Affairs at Healthmark Industries, where she provides expertise in medical device processing and infection prevention and leads an experienced team of Clinical Educators. For nine years, she was co-chair of AAMI WG 84, which writes ST91, the national standard on flexible endoscope reprocessing, and TIR99 on the processing of ultrasound probes and dilators. Before Healthmark, Mary Ann managed the Infection Control Program for Olympus America, worked and managed labs as a pharmaceutical microbiologist, and taught Microbiology courses at the college level. MaryAnn has a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Quality and Regulatory Affairs, and a DrHSc in Healthcare Administration and Management.
Sterile processing departments are persistently understaffed with high turnover which leads to higher defect rates. These defects have serious impacts on patient safety and are the third leading cause of operating room delays.
So how can SPD leadership get actionable data they need to make impactful changes that will significantly improve sterile processing outcomes and help lower defects?
On today’s episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Gabrielle Bejarano speaks with Stewart Pillow, Senior Program Coordinator at VCU Health, and Shamu Anthony, SPD Education Coordinator at VCU Health, about the significance of using quality data for education and training, and their experience using CensisAI², to gain insights to streamline operations and make better, data-driven decisions faster.
Bejarano, Pillow, and Anthony discussed:
1.The experience of transitioning to using CensisAI² to better see quality data
2.Using quality data for education and training
3.Impact of AI tools on productivity and quality
"Previously, we relied on a data analyst to maintain the dashboard for our quality data. However, CensisAI² is great because it reduces the time required to fill, sort, and represent data. In addition, it is easier to access and use. Using CensisAI² can help us trace back quality performance in the past to make future predictions of performance, which can guide the decision of what training to include for our staff. CensisAI² is helping to bridge the gap between productivity and quality. Data that used to take months to make sense of has now become available at a click of a button. This has created a more efficient and sustainable workflow," explained Pillow.
“Most times, we have lots of new staff and travelling staff. As a result, using CensisAI² has helped me identify key areas of focus during training programs. It also helps to identify what instructions or reminders the staff needs, which helps to optimize consistent productivity across the board to get quality results, regardless of the shift or the number of trays we need to process.” said Anthony.
Stewart Pillow is the Senior Program Coordinator at VCU Health. He earned a Standard Diploma from Varina High School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from ECPI University.
Shamu Anthony is the SPD Education Coordinator at VCU Health. She oversees the education for sterile processing. She identifies areas that require more education with CensisAI² and ensures the training is tailored to address these areas.
Many medical instruments are reusable, which has made tracking them through the sterilization process very important. These instruments often require inspection, maintenance, and sterilization to ensure maximum patient safety. Some healthcare facilities still track their instruments with paper and pen, exposing them to human error, credibility, time-consuming recalls, and boxes of archives that need to be stored. However, these challenges can be solved by implementing an electronic tracking system, which offers hospital administrators better control over patient safety and peace of mind.
But what are the experiences of people who have transitioned from using the manual tracking system to the electronic tracking system?
On today’s episode of ConCensis, host Gabrielle Bejanaro speaks with Arlene Bush, Team Supervisor for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and Marlin Minnis, National Conversion Manager at Censis, to compare the pros and cons of using a manual tracking system versus an electronic tracking system.
The trio discussed:
Challenges associated with using a paper tracking system
The experience of transitioning to an electronic tracking system
Experiences with using Censis solutions and advice to other facilities still using the manual paper tracking method
“A tracking system is so critical for the department, as it makes the job easier when there is a need to quantify things in terms of compliance. Previously, when we used paper tracking, it was pretty daunting. Another disadvantage is the ease of losing patient files. The electronic tracking system has more pros than the paper system in terms of accountability, tracking, service, and ease of quantifying data,” explained Arlene Bush.
“I did not really grasp how daunting paper instrument tracking was before I started electronic instrument tracking. The electronic tracking system gave us more credibility and accountability. Most times, especially as a manager, with the paper system, you can make a decision with little or no information, which can come back to hurt you. However, with the electronic data, you can actually see what is happening from the data entry and make informed decisions. Electronic instrument tracking allows the SPD team to be more proactive and less reactive,” explained Marlin Minnis,
Arlene Bush is the Team Supervisor for the US Department of Veteran Affairs. She attended SUNY Canton, where she studied Small Business Administration and Management, and Piedmont Virginia Community College, where she studied Liberal Arts and Sciences. She has been in the sterile processing field for over 20 years.
Marlin Minnis is the National Conversion Manager at Censis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Minnis has worked with the U.S. Army as a Surgical Technologist for over 10 years. In addition, he worked with Materials Management Microsystems as the Director of Implementation and National Sales Executive for over 13 years before going to Censis Technologies, where he has worked for over 4 years.
The healthcare sector suffered a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing high-quality services to patients is a priority. However, for healthcare facilities to run properly, managers or directors must make operational and strategic decisions, especially in the perioperative setting. Efficient operating room (OR) management involves maintaining equilibrium between optimal OR capacity, allocation of ORs to surgeons, assignment of staff, ordering of materials, and reliable scheduling while according the highest priority to patient safety.
But, what are the challenges in SPD Management and ensuring high-quality perioperative services?
On a recent episode of the Censis Podcast, host Michelle Mooney sat down with Brian Dawson, the System VP of Perioperative Services for CommonSpirit Health, to discuss the challenges in measuring productivity in the perioperative setting and SPD.
Measuring productivity in the OR is totally different from the sterile processing department. AAMI, the body governing SPDs, has developed a chart indicating the average time required to perform various tasks. Tasks are categorized into four levels. With this information, Censis can monitor the tasks done in SPD to determine the number of staff required based on workload.
Michelle Mooney and Brian Dawson discussed:
1.How to measure productivity in the OR and sterile processing departments and its benefits to leaders
2.Challenges with staffing
3.The role of Censis in data collection
“Most facilities like CommonSpirit Health measure OR productivity through minutes of service- how many minutes do patients spend in the OR and how many people are required to care for them. Then based on that, we can look at how many minutes were used in the OR, how many staffs were required, then we can determine if it is balanced, over, or under productivity. The big picture is to have a comprehensive data sharing which allows for proper assignment, division, and utilization of staff,” explained Brian Dawson
Final words to other healthcare facilities that need a tool to measure productivity: find a tool that suits your procedural area so you can capitalize on the asset you have to generate revenue.
Brian Dawson is the System VP of Perioperative Services at CommonSpirit Health. He received his Bachelor of Science-Nursing degree from American University and a Master’s of Science-Nursing and Health Care Administration degree from Old Dominion University. He has worked for over 28 years as a nurse.
Creating Sterile Processing Department schedules that make the most of a staff’s time requires a complete understanding and visibility of the demands of a particular healthcare facility. And to gain that big picture, a department needs data and lots of it. Still, more than that, a Sterile Processing Department needs a platform solution that provides reporting in an innovative and actionable way.
What’s the next generation of technology available to make SPD scheduling demands less challenging?
Tyler Kern, the host of ConCensis, came together with Seamus Johnson, Sr. Director of Application Development for Censis, Jeff Long, Network Director of Sterile Processing at St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Cody Troutt, Director of Central Sterile at Williamson Medical for a third, and final discussion on Censis’ new CensisAI2 Productivity platform.
This third conversation with Kern, Johnson, Long, and Troutt includes the following:
- The importance of optimized SPD staff utilization
- Creating tray efficiencies through data analysis
- Advice for hospitals considering or evaluating the CensisAI2 tool
“You have to be able to demonstrate to them (the C-Suite) a return on investment,” Troutt said. “It doesn’t matter if you work for a for-profit or not-for-profit hospital. Your not-for-profit hospitals are not for a loss either.”
Seamus Johnson is an experienced Senior Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Johnson’s proficiency in Software Architecture, Agile Methodologies, C#, Angular, and TypeScript makes him a valued asset to the Censis team, where he’s spent most of his career.
Jeff Long is an experienced Department Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Long is skilled in Medical Devices, Infection Control, Orthopedics, Capital Equipment, and Healthcare. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused on Organizational Management and Leadership Development from Ashford University.
Cody Troutt is an experienced Customer Service Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Troutt’s a strong support professional skilled in Coaching, Medical Devices, Sales, Team Building, and HR Policies.
There are an estimated 51.4 million inpatient surgeries performed in the U.S. on an annual basis. That’s a lot of reusable instruments that require sterile processing. It’s no wonder Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) have their hands full. Labor shortages, mainly since the pandemic, put tremendous strain on already taxed SPDs.
Censis creates solutions to give SPD departments an edge in streamlined efficiency and data-driven analysis to provide actionable insights. Their latest solution, CensisAI2 Productivity, combines with CensiTrac to deliver SPDs with the complete visibility they need to increase productivity in sterile processing.
Tyler Kern, the host of ConCensis, rejoined with Seamus Johnson, Sr. Director of Application Development for Censis, Jeff Long, Network Director of Sterile Processing at St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Cody Troutt, Director of Central Sterile at Williamson Medical continued their discussion on the CensisAI2 Productivity solution.
This second conversation with Kern, Johnson, Long, and Troutt includes the following:
- The challenges of visibility in operational processes for SPDs
- Best practices for utilizing CensisAI2 and CensiTrac
- How CensisAI2’s dashboard helps SPD managers be proactive
“One thing that we had realized was that our existing technology had not been optimized or even built,” Long said. “We had no standardization on how to use the technology we were using. We had a lot of work to do, and that’s why the timing was perfect on a lot of the technology we incorporated since then.”
Seamus Johnson is an experienced Senior Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Johnson’s proficiency in Software Architecture, Agile Methodologies, C#, Angular, and TypeScript makes him a valued asset to the Censis team, where he’s spent most of his career.
Jeff Long is an experienced Department Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Long is skilled in Medical Devices, Infection Control, Orthopedics, Capital Equipment, and Healthcare. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused on Organizational Management and Leadership Development from Ashford University.
Cody Troutt is an experienced Customer Service Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Troutt’s a strong support professional skilled in Coaching, Medical Devices, Sales, Team Building, and HR Policies.
Many areas of healthcare struggle with staffing issues, requiring personnel to do more with fewer resources. Sterile processing departments are not immune to these issues. Today, increased responsibilities and difficulty finding and retaining qualified employees to manage these critical tasks are challenging to solve.
Even with data tracking tools and platforms, making sense of all that collected data to take actionable steps to create efficiencies can take time and effort. So, what can sterile processing departments do?
Tyler Kern, the host of ConCensis, welcomed three guests to the show to discuss the issue and a solution Censis created to work together with its CensiTrac Instrument Tracking System to provide actionable insights that will help streamline operations to achieve department goals. CensisAI2 Productivity is that solution, and on this first of three episodes, Seamus Johnson, Sr. Director of Application Development for Censis, Jeff Long, Network Director of Sterile Processing at St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Cody Troutt, Director of Central Sterile at Williamson Medical laid the foundation for the need create productivity solutions for sterile processing departments.
This first discussion with Kern, Johnson, Long, and Troutt includes the following:
- Why measuring productivity in sterile processing departments is essential.
- The staffing challenges SPD departments face in today’s healthcare landscape.
- Validating staffing needs through actionable data.
“Always have an elevator speech in your back pocket,” Troutt said. “Because you never know when you’ll get on the elevator, and your chief, whatever title, will be there. And you must have that in your back pocket, ready to go all the time. Data is something that they’ll most always listen to.”
Seamus Johnson is an experienced Senior Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Johnson’s proficiency in Software Architecture, Agile Methodologies, C#, Angular, and TypeScript makes him a valued asset to the Censis team, where he’s spent most of his career.
Jeff Long is an experienced Department Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Long is skilled in Medical Devices, Infection Control, Orthopedics, Capital Equipment, and Healthcare. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused on Organizational Management and Leadership Development from Ashford University.
Cody Troutt is an experienced Customer Service Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Troutt’s a strong support professional skilled in Coaching, Medical Devices, Sales, Team Building, and HR Policies.
There are many details that go into prepping an OR and all the instruments necessary for safe and sterile surgeries. Surgical technicians must keep detailed records of these tasks to ensure the room is ready for surgery.
Using EFT, or efficiency tasks, shifts maintenance into the 21st century. Moving away from handwritten paper logs and going digital, SPDs are able to keep strict records and quickly check references when necessary.
On this episode, Gabrielle Bejarano hosts Kelly Swails, Director of Clinical Services at Censis Technologies, and Desiree Acedo, CST, CRCST, CIS, Supervisor Sterile Processing Department at Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center. They break down the complexities required to prepare ORs and how EFT technology supports the role, ensuring patient safety and the highest level of care. The episode covers…
- What is an efficiency task list, and how it’s used in the sterile processing department.
- Reporting and the necessary documentation that’s supported by EFT to ensure compliance.
- What tasks are pre-built into CensiTrac.
Most of the documentation from a surgical tech is considered legal paperwork and held to an incredibly high standard. “It’s really streamlined and freed up my time to do the 1,000 other tasks that I have to do,” said Acedo. Daily reports support managers and ensure compliance, “Someone is getting those emails and verifying that those things are done,” said Kelly Swails.
Kelly Swails started as a surgical technician and went on to receive her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. She’s been working in healthcare since 2003. Desiree Acedo is a surgical tech by trade and is now a sterile processing supervisor. She coordinates between sterile processing and the OR. Trained at the University of Phoenix, she's been in the field since 1995.
If you have any questions about EFT, or would like more information about how you can use them at your facility reach out to marketing@censis.com.
Endoscopes are complex surgical assets made with various intricate parts depending on their use. Processing includes sterilizing, cleaning, transporting, and storing these tools. All of this requires intense asset management. To discuss moving scope process into the technological age, host Tyler Kern invited Jacob Long, Director - Sales Engineering, and Hannah Shipp, Product Owner - Censis to the podcast.
“You see a lot of complexity and variations in the scopes out there. It’s a diverse surgical asset,” said Long, “The process and regulations vary with different endoscopes, depending on the type of instrument and its use. Scopes have similar expectations and rules for processing relative to the type of scope. It’s not the same as sterile instruments, where an instrument can sit on a shelf until it’s compromised. Whereas scopes have hang-times or storage times.”.
ScopeTrac Advanced allows technicians to ensure each scope is processed correctly every time. It tracks all the complexities and changes for different types of endoscopes. “We developed a product that meets all customer needs… they can add settings based on the scope's specific needs,” said Shipp, “A lot of times, issues related to endoscopes come down to patient safety. If you can track your scope inventory properly including, testing, leak tests, the number of times it's been processed, and all sorts of processes related to the different scope types then you can easily follow what you should be doing helping to improve the safety of your patients.”
The software tracks key elements of sterilization making sure all requirements are met for endoscope reprocessing. Consolidating, tracking, and updating the information for each device is key to patient safety. ScopeTrac Advanced continues to evolve with helpful feedback from clients. Learn more about the software here.
Everything begins with the customer journey to create the innovations that will shape the future of sterile processing. Barry Phetteplace, Chief Technology Officer at Censis, and Susan Isaac, Product Director at Censis, shared the strategy that guides their teams in developing advanced sterile processing solutions.
Isaac said Censis tackles a problem by examining the customer process and finding out what they cannot do today or would like to do better. “Because all innovation, no matter how cool it is and no matter how amazing it looks and feels, at the end of the day, it’s useful only if it truly provides value to the customers.” The approach Censis takes is to examine the customer’s workday, map out their process, and understand their workflow. “Once we understand their entire workflow of the typical day for them, then we try to identify pain points and gaps,” Isaac said.
Through customer research, Phetteplace said Censis found that the pandemic created a situation where workers need to do more with less, and solutions that create efficiencies are in high demand. And one of the best ways to make an impact in creating the correct answer is to understand the data qualitatively.
“Being a SaaS-based company, we have access to all this data,” Phetteplace said. “Starting to sift through that and help provide meaningful analysis is something that many customers are looking for. Help us understand what we’re doing well. Help us understand what we’re not doing so well. What could we do if we’re not doing well? How do we do better? Trying to come up with solutions that highlight those sorts of questions and provide answers are things that we’re going to be focused on and things our customers are going to be looking for.”
Visit Censis.com to learn more about Censis Technologies’ surgical asset management platform.
There’s never been a greater need for hospitals and other healthcare operations to have full visibility into their assets and how they’re being used in operating room settings and beyond.
In a healthcare landscape that’s seen most healthcare operations adopt some form of electronic health records (EHR) solution, Censis’ solutions can integrate with those capabilities and provide a more intuitive, seamless experience in ensuring that visibility.
To discuss the benefits of Censis solutions like CensiTrac and ScopeTrac Advanced in providing Sterile Processing Departments and Operating Room suites effective visibility of case needs, asset allocations, patient use, and the means to document and communicate facility-specific events related to case picking and utilization, host Shelby Skrhak was joined for this episode of Censis’ podcast by Jacob Long.
Long is a Business Development Manager and Sales Engineer for Censis. He’s personally implemented Censis solutions for years and witnessed firsthand the value for customers that derive from the visibility and traceability the organization’s systems provide via the user-friendly and customer-focused application.
The world of sterile processing and perioperative departments is constantly evolving and requires a comprehensive system to fit any facility’s workflow and needs, and Long shared why Censis’s solutions fit that mission and help organizations reprocess assets readily and safely.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
On this episode of the podcast, host Tyler Kern talked with Kelly Swails, Director of Clinical Services for Censis Technologies, the industry leader in surgical instrument management systems, offering advanced, web-based software systems.
Kern and Swails talked about the lifecycle of a container and the importance of tracking during the process.
Today, we’re talking about documenting the lifecycle of a container. As a clinical educator, Swails helps companies optimize their use of CensiTrac Instrument Management, the first surgical instrument tracking system built to track all the way down to the instrument level and make documenting processes easier and more efficient.
When you think of the lifecycle of a container, it’s neverending, according to Swails. The No. 1 area where containers don’t get documented is in decontamination. When they come into this area, they go through pre-clean and washers.
“If you have a tracking system, you have that capability with CensiTrac to scan into that decontamination module,” Swails said. “You’ve now documented that container history that that stuff was cleaned. However, if you don’t have a tracking system, you have to write it on paper. Even for those that do, sometimes they’re skipping that part, and that may be due to a lack of computers, lack of knowledge or education or knowing that they should be doing this and it should be documented.”
Once a container is cleaned, it comes through tray assembly, and Swails noted this is where she typically sees good compliance. Then it goes through sterilization, case cart assembly, and back to the operating room.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Sam Harrison, Senior Clinical Educator at Censis Technologies, provided Tyler Kern with an education in endoscopy when he guided him through the lifecycle of a scope and how Censis technologies’ ScopeTrac and CensiTrac play a vital role in the process.
Scopes first go through a deamination process before they enter the OR. CensiTrac then captures the cleaning and reprocessing procedures.
“When the tech checks that scope into the scope processing module, the instructions for use are displayed,” Harrison said. “Those instructions for use can be customized per the scope model, the manufacturer’s IFUs can be uploaded, or video can be uploaded to make it as easy as possible for the end-user.”
After the scope receives reprocessing, it goes to a cleaning room for disinfecting. This process requires tracking, which CensiTrac streamlines. Once disinfected and logged, a scope will go to a clean storage area, and CensiTrac will provide information on those scope’s storage location.
Once a scope enters the procedure room, CensiTrac’s case-tracking module can associate that scope to a patient through a case ID#. “In each area, CensiTrac is used to track and document every required process,” Harrison said.
ScopeTrac is another critical piece of the digital scope record process that makes it easy to comply with regulations.
“Having those processing steps there to help abide by the regulatory requirements is huge,” Harrison said. And, with the added functionality of video and image uploads, techs have additional tools and resources at their disposal to correctly identify and log in scopes.
While ScopeTrac with CensiTrac addresses all these needs, Harrison mentioned that there is now ScopeTrac Advanced, which provides additional solutions, such as OR scheduler interface capabilities.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Ahead of any surgical procedure or operation is the preparation of surgical instruments. In the latest episode of the podcast “ConCensis,” host Tyler Kern discussed the ins and outs of how Censis utilizes its software to facilitate the use of surgical instruments throughout the full perioperative loop by putting marks on each individual instrument. He spoke with Bill Camargo, Manager of Marking Services, and Jennifer Bingaman, Director of Business Services, on how Censis gets it right.
According to Camargo, there are three main types of surgical instrument markings commonly used – laser, electrochemical, and mechanical. Laser is the most popular, however, there are instances where one or more may be utilized together. For laser marking a significant amount of space is needed between the lens and instrument of marking, so that’s when electrochemical and mechanical marking come into play.
“With some instrument configurations, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to mark it with a laser, that's where electrochemical comes into play,” said Camargo. He went on to note that mechanical markings come through with a solution if the former two aren’t the best options. The downside to mechanical markings is their lack of permanence.
Marking allows the perioperative to be as smooth and clear as possible. It also makes the job of operating room (OR) staff members much smoother, particularly in critical times. Facilities choose to mark instruments to maintain efficient organization and tracking, according to Bingaman.
“There's usually two main reasons why people choose to mark instruments, the biggest being that when you're assembling a tray in sterile processing and you're able to scan each instrument to that set, it helps ensure that you have a complete set to the OR, so that OR staff aren’t spending their time looking for missing instruments,” said Bingaman.
Surgical instrument marking also makes identifying and pinpointing the source of any issue that might arise during a procedure. While each surgical instrument tray is unique, when surgical instruments have markings, it clarifies a particular instrument giving you a deeper level of tracking information.
“If God forbid there’s an infection control issue, then if you have instruments marked and you’re scanning at instrument level, then you know exactly what instruments were used on that patient, rather than just knowing this tray was used on this patient. You actually get down to the instrument level,” said Bingaman.
Censis’s CensiTrac software adds another element that improves surgical instrument marking and tracking. Bingaman compared the tracking method to manufacturing barcodes. Similar to how barcodes identify what products were just scanned in a grocery store for example, entering surgical instrument data into the CensiTrac system will help it know what instrument is being used.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies’ surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Technology plays a central role in every aspect of medical advancement — even in the surgical asset management field.
On an episode of ConCensis host, Tyler Kern was joined by Theresa Cole, a Sterile Processing Manager at Northern Nevada Sierra Hospital, and Jason Blake, a project manager with Censis Technologies – the company behind CensiTrac, a system being used to manage all things surgical instrument management.
When health centers and facilities look to adopt a new system, there are several key things that they look for. But for Cole, her main goal was to work with a software that facilitated patient tracking and was easy to use.
"The most important thing is being able to track to the patients … kind of a thorough implementation to be able to track through the process. We've used CensiTrac in the past so as a system I was familiar with, I was very comfortable and confident using it at this facility," said Cole.
The CensiTrac system was the most significant factor for Cole's interest in her management job. The Censis software was going to be used at Northern Nevada Sierra, which piqued Cole's interest. "CensiTrac was in place … because there's very extensive modules to be able to track paperless, track to the patient, track the instrumentation … it was a very comprehensive system so that was a selling feature for sure," stated Cole.
Having a support team in the surgical asset management field is also important. The Censis implementation team assists hospital staff on how to use the system, ensuring proper and safe security measures, and getting people all on the same page for a smooth process.
Early preparation stands to be the main factor in effectively implementing sterile processing and what has to be prioritized. "The main thing is their data – what is their information going to look like," said Blake.
For sterile processing, these things include items like count sheets and instrumentation. Blake stated, "that is core training for a tracking system to ensure that you have the right data in place. All their trays, the tray names — anything that has to do with that first is a really big thing."
He added that coordinating with information technology personnel and understanding the hardware should be emphasized in surgical asset management because oftentimes, switching from one system to another or implementing into a totally new system might come with trial and error since every facility has its own needs.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
To access additional podcasts, visit the ConCensis Podcast Show featured on MarketScale.
Susie Martin, Project Manager with Professional Services at Censis Technologies, Inc., and Carrie Miller, Perioperative Enterprise Coordinator at The Ohio State University, spoke with ConCensis about best practices for loaner tray management. Miller said that in the case of Ohio State University’s healthcare network, Censis’ LoanerLink is a critical solution for efficient and safe loaner tray management.
“We have five locations and a large vendor influx at our two main locations,” Miller said. “And we see, on average, about two hundred vendor trays a week, plus consignment. Using LoanerLink allows us to look ahead and forecast what’s to be expected.”
LoanerLink’s cloud-based solution assists organizations and healthcare facilities in managing vendor surgical assets. This solution supports both the operating room (OR) and the sterile processing department (SPD) activities while enabling more efficient staffing procedures.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Instruments often disappear, and the idea behind tracking is use barcodes and scan trays so instruments are traceable. “Being able to have almost like a fingerprint for each one of these instruments and then like Seamus mentioned using that in conjunction with like a computer and a scanner it really helps all of these technicians and nurses regardless of what stage they’re in have that level of visibility,” stated Long. Methods of tracking include electrochemical and laser.
Data generated includes instrument location, when and where they were sterilized, and more, which creates a level of data not possible in past. One advantage of this is the cost-efficiency it creates. Instead of replacing a whole tray after a set number of uses, which is common practice, hospitals can target specific instruments. “If we know exactly what we need to refurbish based on instrument usage, we can then make really cost-effective decisions for maintenance,” Long explained.
Another benefit of this software as a service includes less IT burden—they need not learn the pitfalls or review the security, scalability, and reliability of the service. “The advantage that cloud-deployed software brings is that we do that all for you. We have a team of professionals that do nothing but care for and feed sensor track,” Johnson stated.
Johnson explained, “When we engage with a customer, we are looking for a way to help them improve. Take waste out of the system, do things more efficiently, do things better, ultimately knowing that they are going to make patients better. That’s the number one goal.”
Visit https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/trackingtoinfinityandbeyond to earn your FREE CE Credit from HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM).Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
CensiTrac is a powerful tool for any medical organization, and Censis wants to make sure organizations get the most from it, which is why they conduct onsite utilization assessments. Cody Pregler, Clinical Educator for Censis, spoke with Tyler Kern on the multitude of ways Censis maximizes efficiencies with advanced clinical support through their ServicePlus model.
What exactly does a utilization assessment report entail?
“A utilization assessment report is where we come onsite, and we look at exactly how you’re using CensiTrac,” Pregler said. “We follow a container around the lifecycle of the hospital and your facility. And when we do this, we uncover blind spots in certain areas where we can improve a bit, as far as where we can track our medical equipment and instrumentation through their full lifecycle process.”
This utilization assessment is so critical to ensure that when the time comes for a process survey or inspection, a clinic is ready to pass with flying colors. Censis makes it easy to check that processes and steps occur through various support tools.
“One of our easiest tools that we provide our customers is what is called an out-of-sequence warning,” Pregler said. “What this does is it tracks that tray and those instruments as they’re moving through the process to make sure it’s hitting every checkpoint it needs to. And those checkpoints reveal information about what’s being performed on that instrumentation as its traveling through its lifecycle.”
With SPD staff shortages occurring throughout the country, it can be a comfort knowing that Censis’ ServicePlus team can assess processes and recommend CensiTrac tools facilities may not know are available to them.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
CensiTrac is a powerful tool for any medical organization, and Censis wants to make sure organizations get the most from it, which is why they conduct onsite utilization assessments. Cody Pregler, Clinical Educator for Censis, spoke with Tyler Kern on the multitude of ways Censis maximizes efficiencies with advanced clinical support through their ServicePlus model.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Every new year brings with it New Year’s resolutions. And these resolutions don’t have to be personal goals, as Censis Clinical Educator Jill Sweeney explained to ConCensis’ Tyler Kern. Resolutions can also apply to effective surgical instrument management. Sweeney gave Kern six solid ways that CensiTrac can help steer 2022 in the right direction.
Losing weight is a resolution that is familiar to most, but in SPD, the goals are a bit different. “Running an overloaded sterilizer, having overweight trays, and problems that that can cause your SPD department,” Sweeney said. “You can end up with failed biologicals, just all-around poor sterilizer performance. The max weight allowance for each machine can be found in your sterilizer’s IFU. In CensiTrac, you enter in that max weight allowance as your first step in your sterilizer compliance, and then CensiTrac will tally up those trays as your starting those loads and tally up what those trays weigh.” This resolution will help keep those weight limits down.
Spending less money is a classic resolution, and CensiTrac is a budget-friendly solution that makes saving easy with its maintenance program. “You can set in maintenance uses for the trays, and then CensiTrac will alert you when those trays need routine sharpening,” Sweeney said. Routine maintenance-tracking reduces the expense of unnecessary maintenance of trays that are not ready for sharpening.
CensiTrac can help keep track of routine tasks and make sure staff receives credit for their work. “A lot of times in sterile processing, staff are doing a lot of things that are outside the realm of what CensiTrac gives credit for in productivity,” Sweeney said. “Efficiency tasks is one of the modules, and that will help give credit to the staff for things that they’re doing outside of what CensiTrac normally gives productivity credit for.”
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.Visit https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/Podcast2022NewYearsResolutionsSPD to earn your FREE CE Credit from HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM) and CBSPD.
Censis Technologies is helping you to jumpstart your 2022 sterile processing resolutions with an exciting panel and live Q&A featuring our very own Director of Clinical Services, Kelly Swails. Before the holidays, Kelly sat down with Jarvis Smith and Alina R. Easley, sterile processing experts from the Department of Veterans Affairs, to discuss the highs and lows of 2021 and how we can apply those lessons learned in 2022.
This broadcast event will feature a live Q&A with Alina, Jarvis, and Kelly who will look forward to answering your questions. Censis is pleased to offer 1 IAHCSMM and CBSPD continuing education credit for your attendance and participation.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
CensiTrac’s robust reporting capabilities can provide sterile processing departments (SPDs) with a wealth of opportunities for efficiencies. Dalton Carter, Technical Support Manager at Censis, discussed some of these CensiTrac features with host Hilary Kennedy.
"SPD’s need to report on a wealth of important information from sterilization records to employee productivity to anything with case tracking, and knowing what was used on a patient specifically,” Carter said.
Competencies within CensiTrac can show which employees are trained in certain areas and provide sign-offs for accountability. “Along with that, you can see data points of where your trays are scanned throughout your entire department, including the OR if you’re scanning there,” Carter said.
Although Carter said one of the most popular reporting features in CensiTrac is the employee productivity report, his personal favorite was a general inventory throughput report due to the ability to customize it in hundreds of ways.
“There are so many different reports you can run,” Carter said. “Whether it be compliance or where a tray is, where an instrument is, there are different reports you can run to get the filters that you need."
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
On this episode of the podcast, host Tyler Kern talked with Kelly Swails, Director of Clinical Services for Censis Technologies, the industry leader in surgical instrument management systems, offering advanced, web-based software systems.
Kern and Swails talked about the lifecycle of a container and the importance of tracking during the process.
Today, we’re talking about documenting the lifecycle of a container. As a clinical educator, Swails helps companies optimize their use of CensiTrac Instrument Management, the first surgical instrument tracking system built to track all the way down to the instrument level and make documenting processes easier and more efficient.
When you think of the lifecycle of a container, it’s neverending, according to Swails. The No. 1 area where containers don’t get documented is in decontamination. When they come into this area, they go through pre-clean and washers.
“If you have a tracking system, you have that capability with CensiTrac to scan into that decontamination module,” Swails said. “You’ve now documented that container history that that stuff was cleaned. However, if you don’t have a tracking system, you have to write it on paper. Even for those that do, sometimes they’re skipping that part, and that may be due to a lack of computers, lack of knowledge or education or knowing that they should be doing this and it should be documented.”
Once a container is cleaned, it comes through tray assembly, and Swails noted this is where she typically sees good compliance. Then it goes through sterilization, case cart assembly, and back to the operating room.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Healthcare has plenty of potential pain points to go around, but one of the industry’s longest-lasting is the proper use of immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS).
The procedure, traditionally known as “flash sterilization,” offers the quickest possible time between an instrument’s use and its ability to be used again. However, that benefit is countered by several key challenges.
Notably, a lack of documentation and proper recordkeeping, specifically around the use of trays, and general concern about the efficacy of IUSS have led the AAMI to support minimal use of the practice, if it’s used at all.
However, IUSS does present some benefits. Medical professionals still like it in specific scenarios for its ability to keep tools available, offset supply drops or late arrival, and avoid contamination in the middle of a procedure.
So, if it’s to be used at all, how can the industry ensure it’s being done in as safe a way as possible? Enter Censis Technologies.
On this Censis Technologies podcast, Kelly Swails (MAOL, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, ST), Director of Clinical Services for Censis, joined host Daniel Litwin to break down how the company’s CensiTrac solution can give medical professionals holistic insight into their processes and help them make the right decisions for each unique scenario.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
As leaders, it's always important to listen to your employees. But, now might be the most crucial time to listen and understand the needs of employees who are going through tumultuous times. Empathy and appreciation are vital tools as leaders look to navigate the pandemic.
On the second part of this ConCensis podcast episode, Host Daniel Litwin talked with Derek Murray, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Censis Technologies. They dug into company leadership and how well it responded during the pandemic, lessons to take away, and how leaders can prepare for disruption and rapid change in the future.
Censis Technologies morphed into a virtual company in order to adjust to this new work life. Since workers no longer get camaraderie over the water cooler or in the break room, it's essential to make sure employees stay connected with each other and their managers.
"I make sure every morning I send out a message saying 'Hey, Good morning happy Tuesday,'" Murray said, "and then just kind of going over things of what they day looks like and then reminding them often 'I really appreciate everything they're doing.'"
These are just some things that leaders can do since we're not in person, according to Murray. It's important as leaders to make sure those in their charge know they're valued. It's also not just about daily work but also what an employee is doing well.
"I think we as leaders always get in the mode of trying to fix things, but we need to celebrate awesome things people are doing," Murray said.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
As a society at large, we've gone through a massive cultural upheaval and have had many of our societal norms challenged by a time of crisis. Not only was this a strain on everyone's day-to-day stability, but it also put a wrench in most office-setting business leadership.
In this first part of a Censis Technologies podcast episode, Host Daniel Litwin talked with Derek Murray, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Censis Technologies. They dug into company leadership and how well it responded during the pandemic, lessons to take away, and how leaders can prepare for disruption and rapid change in the future.
Murray started his career in the Air Force, where he cut his teeth as a leader. After his career in the military, he moved into the classroom teaching in public education. During this time, he also taught staff how to lead students. Six years ago, he found his way to Censis Technologies as a trainer and is now in client services.
As hybrid work models persist, and in some cases permanent remote work, leaders have had to adapt to how they lead.Motivating teams in-person, finding ways to get in the trenches and lead alongside your teams, and encouraging collaboration and creativity. All the traditional playbooks got thrown out the window, as teams became decentralized and remote from one day to the next.
"When change is thrust upon a group of people, in any industry, it can be difficult," Murray said. "Change can sometimes bring out the best, and sometimes the worst. It is important as leaders that we make sure people feel like they're part of a change, even a rapid change."
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Hank Balch, founder and President of Beyond Clean, joined host Hilary Kennedy on ConCensis to discuss how instrument tracking data can be a resume goldmine in today’s sterile processing landscape. Balch has a long and extensive resume filled with of industry awards, blogs, social media prowess and conference speeches.
Balch started as a frontline technician in instrument reprocessing. He spoke about how his work in sterile processing changed after becoming a father, when he realized that when it comes to little ones going into surgery, “there is no margin for error.”
“The fatherhood piece is baked into everything I do,” said Balch. He described the industry as being very personal. When it comes to sterile processing, there has been a debate for many years about whether there should be greater background requirements since a higher education degree is not currently an entry-level requirement. Balch weighed both the advantages and disadvantages to this and the potential career opportunities it provides.
For Balch, he doesn’t think career experience is the only indicator of a good job candidate. “We want data that can say ‘I contributed this to the productivity and to the efficiency and to the safety of my department,’” said Balch. He cited total instruments processed and total trays assembled as indicators to look for to defray challenges in the recruiting process.
Balch also discussed how this data could positively impact issues with pay rate in the industry. Recent data has highlighted the significant impact of sterile processors, which is also helping to beef up resumes. “It’s the first step to begin this data-driven conversation at the HR level… that your resume can get to the top of the pile.”
Balch encourages employees to advocate for their departments to track instrument data if they are not already tracking it. “Now everyone in the department will be better positioned to be more competitive in the workplace or the industry as a whole because they can get access to their instrument data.”
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
As leaders, it's always important to listen to your employees. But, now might be the most crucial time to listen and understand the needs of employees who are going through tumultuous times. Empathy and appreciation are vital tools as leaders look to navigate the pandemic.
On the second part of this ConCensis podcast episode, Host Daniel Litwin talked with Derek Murray, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Censis Technologies. They dug into company leadership and how well it responded during the pandemic, lessons to take away, and how leaders can prepare for disruption and rapid change in the future.
Censis Technologies morphed into a virtual company in order to adjust to this new work life. Since workers no longer get camaraderie over the water cooler or in the break room, it's essential to make sure employees stay connected with each other and their managers.
"I make sure every morning I send out a message saying 'Hey, Good morning happy Tuesday,'" Murray said, "and then just kind of going over things of what they day looks like and then reminding them often 'I really appreciate everything they're doing.'"
These are just some things that leaders can do since we're not in person, according to Murray. It's important as leaders to make sure those in their charge know they're valued. It's also not just about daily work but also what an employee is doing well.
"I think we as leaders always get in the mode of trying to fix things, but we need to celebrate awesome things people are doing," Murray said.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
As a society at large, we've gone through a massive cultural upheaval and have had many of our societal norms challenged by a time of crisis. Not only was this a strain on everyone's day-to-day stability, but it also put a wrench in most office-setting business leadership.
On this first part of a Censis Technologies podcast episode, Host Daniel Litwin talked with Derek Murray, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Censis Technologies. They dug into company leadership and how well it responded during the pandemic, lessons to take away, and how leaders can prepare for disruption and rapid change in the future.
Murray started his career in the Air Force, where he cut his teeth as a leader. After his career in the military, he moved into the classroom teaching in public education. During this time, he also taught staff how to lead students. Six years ago, he found his way to Censis Technologies as a trainer and is now in client services.
As hybrid work models persist, and in some cases permanent remote work, leaders have had to adapt to how they lead.Motivating teams in-person, finding ways to get in the trenches and lead alongside your teams, encouraging collaboration and creativity. All the traditional playbooks got thrown out the window, as teams became decentralized and remote one day to the next.
"When change is thrust upon a group of people, in any industry, it can be difficult," Murray said. "Change can sometimes bring out the best, and sometimes the worst. It is important as leaders that we make sure people feel like they're part of a change, even a rapid change."
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
There’s never been a greater need for hospitals and other healthcare operations to have full visibility into their assets and how they’re being used in operating room settings and beyond.
In a healthcare landscape that’s seen most healthcare operations adopt some form of electronic health records (EHR) solution, Censis’s solutions can integrate with those capabilities and provide a more intuitive, seamless experience in ensuring that visibility.
To discuss the benefits of Censis solutions like CensiTrac and ScopeTrac Advanced in providing Sterile Processing Departments and Operating Room suites effective visibility of case needs, asset allocations, patient use, and the means to document and communicate facility-specific events related to case picking and utilization, host Shelby Skrhak was joined for this episode of Censis’s podcast by Jacob Long.
Long is a Business Development Manager and Sales Engineer for Censis. He’s personally implemented Censis solutions for years and witnessed firsthand the value for customers that derives from the visibility and traceability the organization’s systems provide via the user-friendly and customer-focused application.
The world of sterile processing and perioperative departments is constantly evolving and requires a comprehensive system to fit any facility’s workflow and needs, and Long shared why Censis’s solutions fit that mission and help organizations reprocess assets readily and safely.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Healthcare has plenty of potential pain points to go around, but one of the industry’s longest lasting is the proper use of immediate use steam sterilization, or IUSS.
The procedure, traditionally known as “flash sterilization,” offers the quickest possible time between an instrument’s use and its ability to be used again. However, that benefit is countered by several key challenges.
Notably, a lack of documentation and proper recordkeeping, specifically around the use of trays, and general concern about the efficacy of IUSS have led the AAMI to support minimal use of the practice, if it’s used at all.
However, IUSS does present some benefits. Medical professionals still like it in specific scenarios for its ability to keep tools available, offset supply drops or late arrival, and avoid contamination in the middle of a procedure.
So, if it’s to be used at all, how can the industry ensure it’s being done in as safe a way as possible? Enter Censis Technologies.
On this Censis Technologies podcast, Kelly Swails (MAOL, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, ST), Director of Clinical Services for Censis, joined host Daniel Litwin to break down how the company’s CensiTrac solution can give medical professionals holistic insight into their processes and help them make the right decisions for each unique scenario.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
CensiTrac’s robust reporting capabilities can provide sterile processing departments (SPDs) with a wealth of opportunities for efficiencies. Dalton Carter, Technical Support Manager at Censis, discussed some of these CensiTrac features with host Hilary Kennedy.
"SPD’s need to report on a wealth of important information from sterilization records to employee productivity to anything with case tracking, and knowing what was used on a patient specifically,” Carter said.
Competencies within CensiTrac can show which employees are trained in certain areas and provide sign-offs for accountability. “Along with that, you can see data points of where your trays are scanned throughout your entire department, including the OR if you’re scanning there,” Carter said.
Although Carter said one of the most popular reporting features in CensiTrac is the employee productivity report, his personal favorite was a general inventory throughput report due to the ability to customize it in hundreds of ways.
“There are so many different reports you can run,” Carter said. “Whether it be compliance or where a tray is, where an instrument is, there are different reports you can run to get the filters that you need."
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.
Sam Harrison, Senior Clinical Educator at Censis Technologies, provided Tyler Kern with an education in endoscopy when he guided him through the lifecycle of a scope and how Censis technologies’ ScopeTrac and CensiTrac play a vital role in the process.
Scopes first go through a deamination process before they enter the OR. CensiTrac then captures the cleaning and reprocessing procedures.
“When the tech checks that scope into the scope processing module, the instructions for use are displayed,” Harrison said. “Those instructions for use can be customized per the scope model, the manufacturer’s IFUs can be uploaded, or video can be uploaded to make it as easy as possible for the end-user.”
After the scope receives reprocessing, it goes to a cleaning room for disinfecting. This process requires tracking, which CensiTrac streamlines. Once disinfected and logged, a scope will go to a clean storage area, and CensiTrac will provide information on those scope’s storage location.
Once a scope enters the procedure room, CensiTrac’s case-tracking module can associate that scope to a patient through a case ID#. “In each area, CensiTrac is used to track and document every required process,” Harrison said.
ScopeTrac is another critical piece of the digital scope record process that makes it easy to comply with regulations.
“Having those processing steps there to help abide by the regulatory requirements is huge,” Harrison said. And, with the added functionality of video and image uploads, techs have additional tools and resources at their disposal to correctly identify and log in scopes.
While ScopeTrac with CensiTrac addresses all these needs, Harrison mentioned that there is now ScopeTrac Advanced, which provides additional solutions, such as OR scheduler interface capabilities.
Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.