Integrating Quality Tools and Methods to Analyze and Improve a Hospital Sterilization Process

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare
• Medical Device Sterilization

Background:

• Hospitals face operational challenges impacting efficiency and costs.
• Efficient hospital sterilization processes (HSP) are crucial for timely availability of reusable medical devices (RMDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrated approach for analyzing HSP and identifying critical improvement actions.
• To validate the proposed approach using a real-world case study in a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• The approach integrates four quality tools: Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Cause-Effect Analysis, and Quality Function Deployment (QFD).
• SADT maps the HSP, FMEA assesses risks, Cause-Effect identifies improvements, and QFD prioritizes actions.

Main Results:

• The integrated approach was applied to the HSP at Hedi-Cheker Hospital's maternity services.
• Key critical activities identified for improvement include enhancing coordination between sterilization and surgery, and minimizing sterilization duration.

Conclusions:

• The proposed integrated approach effectively analyzes HSP and pinpoints critical areas for enhancement.
• Optimizing coordination and reducing sterilization time are vital for ensuring RMD availability and improving healthcare delivery.