PROCESS THIS!, a Podcast by HSPA

In episode 104, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Clinical Educator Sue Klacik about several key AAMI standards and technical information reports (TIRs) that affect Sterile Processing. Specifically, she provides updates about ANSI/AAMI ST108, Water for the processing of medical devices, AAMI TIR99 Dilator and ultrasound probes processing in health care facilities, and ANSI/AAMI ST113 Comprehensive gu...

In episode 103, host Jon Wood speaks with Marcy Duffy, Intuitive’s Genesis Reprocessing Product Manager, about robotics in reprocessing. She identifies critical factors to consider when planning a robotics service line, including workflow and layout, assessment of current equipment, understanding how a robotics program fits into current operations, and steps to ease the transition for Steril...

In our 102nd episode, host Jon Wood speaks with fitness trainer and nutrition coach, Brenda Edwards, about physical, emotional and mental health. Specifically, she shares her recommendations for mobility activities to address the physical demands within the Sterile Processing department. Click the link to see Brenda’s SP workout! https://cghustle.zoom.us/rec/play/8f6Wi63aLuQ3PLgBRnwgLfqE2ds4...

In our 101st episode, host Jon Wood reviews the most recent articles found in HSPA’s PROCESS magazine related to water quality. Specifically, he explores the article, “A Leader’s Guide to Understanding and Following ST108,” authored by Marie Brewer, and key aspects of “Guarding the Gateway: Ensuring Water-Related Safety and Quality in Sterile Processing,” by Norm Thompson. Earn CE Now

In our 100th episode, host Jon Wood revisits 10 must-hear segments from a variety of HSPA interviews conducted in 2023. Some of these discussions include surgical instruments and IFU, a PPE “arsenal” found at a VA hospital, and English as a second language in Sterile Processing. These conversations and more are discussed in this, one-hour special podcast. Earn CE Now

In episode 99, host Jon Wood speaks with Sue Klacik and Terra Kremer about how time, temperature and humidity affect soil drying on medical devices. They also address challenges associated with weather conditions and the transporting of soiled instruments to Sterile Processing areas. Earn CE Now

In episode 98, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA President, Monique Jelks, about her journey into Sterile Processing (SP), her passion for problem solving, process improvement and supporting fellow SP professionals—and how they helped lead her to become President of the HSPA Board of Directors.   Earn CE Now

In episode 97, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN’s Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist, Amber Wood, about the AORN guidelines writing process and the documents’ relevance to Sterile Processing (SP) practices. Amber also addresses how others can become involved in the AORN guideline-writing process. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credi...

In episode 96, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Clinical Educator, Sue Klacik, who has served on the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s (AAMI’s) standard committees for many years. She shares her unique insights about the importance of AAMI standards and their critical roles in ensuring best practices and appropriate processes are followed to promote patient safety and posi...

In episode 95, host Jon Wood discusses pasteurization and its role in Sterile Processing with HSPA’s guests, Richard Radford and Ann Hewitt of Cenorin. Radford and Hewitt discuss the history of thermal disinfection—and how the process that was originally applied to the food industry has been adopted by the healthcare industry. Specifically, they discuss the benefits and application of using water...

In episode 94, host Jon Wood discusses water and steam issues with Dr. Jonathan Wilder. From wet loads to extended dry time, Wilder explains the causes, effects and potential solutions for these challenging and dangerous situations. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 93, host Jon Wood follows-up on Process This! episode 92 where he discussed borescopes with Andrew Sundet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Clarus Medical. Joining Wood and Sundet for this episode is Ehren Arndt, Head of Customer Success and Partner Solutions who shares an exceptional step forward in the usage of borescopes—the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This p...

In episode 92, host Jon Wood discusses borescopes with Andrew Sundet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Clarus Medical. Sundet has a passion for borescopes and their use in the healthcare setting. He details the necessary set-up and inspection processes as well as the frequency that borescope inspections should be performed, how the processes should be documented, and ways to engage stakeholders in t...

In episode 91, host Jon Wood speaks with Marie Brewer to discuss her role in the decontamination splash study performed at her facility with Ofstead & Associates. The startling findings generated by the study reinforce the need for adequate personal protective equipment and the implementation of other controls to improve employee safety. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no...

In episode 90, host Jon Wood discusses English as a second language (ESL) in Sterile Processing (SP) with Angie Holland. She reveals the critical need for English proficiency in SP and steps leaders, educators and co-workers can take to work more effectively alongside their ESL peers. Holland also discussed the benefits of establishing an ESL program for the department. This podcast episode has re...

In episode 89, host Jon Wood speaks with Adam Okada, Clinical Education Specialist at Healthmark Industries. Okada discusses his passion: helping to improve patient care quality by giving Sterile Processing (SP) technicians greater access to education. He shares his thoughts about the common problems associated with SP training and how these issues can be reevaluated and improved. Okada also discu...

In episode 88, host Jon Wood speaks with Brian Flannigan, Principal and subject matter expert for non-potable water system safety and efficiency for Phigenics LLC, about the upcoming standard, AAMI ST108 Water for the processing of medical devices. Flannigan discusses best practices for water testing and how to meet the recommended critical utility water requirements.   This podcast episode h...

In episode 87, host Jon Wood speaks with Healthmark Senior Clinical Education Specialist Cheron Rojo about his newest study on insulation testing and patient safety. Rojo reviews insulation testers capabilities, features and challenges, and addresses how technique and common damage identification—such as patterns, holes and other damage—are key to effective insulation testing. This podcast episode...

In episode 86, host Jon Wood speaks with Case Medical Clinical Manager Dewey Barker about the important science behind cleaning in Sterile Processing. Barker explores soil, bioburden and invisible microbial contaminants when relating to their removal from instrument surfaces, without harming devices. Discussions regarding common mistakes found in the SPD, lack of attention to detail, and process p...

In episode 85, our host speaks with AORN’s Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist, Amber Wood, about the pros and cons of single-use and reusable endoscopes. The scopes’ safety margins are discussed, along with FDA requirements and the latest safety reports and alerts. Decision-making support teams that contribute to AORN’s guidance in evaluating different endoscope types is also addressed. This...

In episode 84, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Director of Education Natalie Lind about the newly updated ninth edition HSPA Sterile Processing Technical Manual. Lind discusses what led to the textbook revision and explains how standards, Sterile Processing-related questions from HSPA members and input from industry experts, vendors and more influence content when updating tex...

In episode 83, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with the Sterile Processing team from Lebanon VA Medical Center about their unique and creative methods for maintaining comfortable decontamination PPE. Wood also explores the costs and safety aspects of this “cool solution” with SP Chief Richard Lambdin, SP Educator Vanessa Cavanaugh and Advanced Medical Supply Technicians LaSh...

In episode 82, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with America’s MedSource Inc.’s President and Owner, James Schneiter, about the benefits of instrument design and redesign for the benefit of patient care. He also addresses confusing and conflicting instructions for use (IFU) and the frustration that arises when there is a lack of validation testing for IFU. This podcast episod...

In episode 81, host Jon Wood speaks with surgeon Dr. M. Gerard-Paul Slobogean about the critical relationship between orthopedic trauma surgery and Sterile Processing. Specifically, Slobogean addresses how interruptions and delays resulting from improperly prepared instrument trays or contaminated instruments negatively affect schedules and procedures and jeopardize patient care and outcomes. This...

In episode 80, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN Journal’s clinical editor and guest, Susan Ober, about her responsibilities with the publication and how a CRCST designation broadens her knowledge base. Ober also discusses how she incorporates her knowledge of sterile processing in her ever-challenging position. Also covered by Wood is a review of an article from the AJIC Journal, on the topic...