Tracking quality in central processing. One hospital's approach

In summary, it is possible to estimate the overall quality of Central Processing products by drawing on a carefully selected sample each week. The sample should be random, and the program designed to be as rigorous as possible. If quality has never been assessed in such a manner before, the initial figures may look bad but as specific problems are addressed, quality should rise. It will be possible to illustrate this increase in quality by comparing audit results from previous weeks. By systematically monitoring our own production we can begin to match industry's quality assessment efforts and will be able to document our self-initiated progress. The audit had an added bonus for the Processing Department. As the audit results were posted each week, the staff began to take a more professional interest in their work. Staff members were always dedicated to doing their best for quality patient care. Now, they are able to see how they are measuring up. Everybody takes an interest in the audit results. The first time we attained a 95% error free result, we were a proud department indeed!