Transition to reprocessing: one OR's success.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Surgical Technology
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• Single-use surgical devices are often discarded after one use.
• Reprocessing these devices offers potential cost savings and environmental benefits.
• Implementing reprocessing requires careful consideration of human factors and change management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the organic implementation of reprocessing single-use surgical devices in an operating room.
• To highlight the role of staff-initiated change in fostering a culture of reprocessing.
• To examine the human factors and change management strategies involved in this transition.

Main Methods:

• A narrative case study approach was used.
• The article details the transition process over six years.
• Focus on organic, staff-driven change rather than top-down mandates.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of reprocessing Food and Drug Administration-approved single-use surgical devices.
• Development of a sustained culture change within the operating room team.
• Demonstration of effective change management initiated at the staff level.

Conclusions:

• Bedside-initiated change by motivated staff can lead to successful reprocessing programs.
• Organic change management is effective in transforming OR culture regarding device reprocessing.
• Reprocessing programs can be successfully integrated through staff engagement and evolving organizational culture.