PROCESS THIS!, a Podcast by HSPA

In episode 79, host Jon Wood speaks with guests Samantha Jacques and Chris Nowak to discuss the medical device servicing community (MDSC), including what it entails and how patient safety is the MDSC’s top priority, just as it is for those in Sterile Processing (SP). Jacques and Nowak also address SP professionals’ critical connection to medical device servicing and the vital role they play in the...

In episode 78, host Jon Wood reviews a random selection of instructions for use (IFU) and discusses some of the challenges and solutions to making IFU less confusing and more readily understood.   This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 77, host Jon Wood reviews articles dealing with common errors in surgical instrument reprocessing including productivity management, consolidating sterilization responsibilities, and following manufacturers processing recommendations. Wood also covers effective resource management, pretreatment processes and confinement and containment of dirty instruments. This podcast episode has reac...

In episode 76, host Jon Wood discusses what constitutes effective and ineffective communication and explores ways Sterile Processing professionals can improve on those skills. Additionally, he explores the impact of communication on decision-making, scheduling, interdepartmental and interdisciplinary relationships, and patient outcomes. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longe...

In episode 75, our guest, Amber Wood, and host Jon Wood discuss the differences between AORN and AAMI recommendations. Amber explores the benefits of AORN’s systematic approach to guideline development, including database research and the lengthy process and detailed experts needed to review and update a guideline. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to r...

In episode 74, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood discusses disaster preparedness and the importance of a well-rehearsed, coordinated response to an unexpected incident—and its importance to the heath and security of our communities. Wood also shares his thoughts on a recent television series titled “Five Days at Memorial,” specifically, the episodes that address the heartbreaking aftermath...

In episode 73, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood reviews the cover story, “Kerrison Rongeurs: Different Types, How They Are Used & How to Clean, Inspect & Test,” from the September/October 2022 issue of PROCESS. He also addresses the challenges associated with cleaning Kerrison rongeurs such as the risks of bioburden being left behind. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mar...

In episode 72, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood brings back one of his favorite segments, What’s On My Mind where Wood answers often asked questions regarding peel packages. Also in this podcast is a review of AJIC article regarding COVID-related experiences with methylene blue. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.

In episode 71, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood spotlights the Fellowship paper written by Ebow Holbrook-Smith, which addresses the role of education and standard work in creating sustainable quality. The standardization process and its benefits to organizations (enhanced safety, compatibility, inoperability, repeatability and quality in operations) are also explored. This podcast episode...

In episode 70, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood reviews the Fellowship research paper authored by Tony Thurmond. The paper covers what was involved in the facility’s development of an in-house instrument repair department, the pros and cons of using original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to repair instruments versus a third-party service provider—and which approach Thurmond’s facility fou...

In episode 69, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood reviews the Fellowship paper written by Brenda (Jan) Prudent. The paper follows a regional trauma hospital’s journey of centralizing the SPD’s broken high-level disinfection process just one month before a Joint Commission regulatory audit. Steps taken to relocate multiple high-level disinfection processes to a centralized location in s...

In episode 68, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood talks about all things explants. Wood explains the complications involved when handling explanted medical devices as well as who should be part of the interdisciplinary team to determine the proper procedures. Since guidelines are rare and vague, the need for developing a facility policy is also covered. This podcast episode has reached its 2...

In episode 67, HSPA clinical educator and host Jon Wood explores leadership topics in Sterile Processing. He encourages SP professionals’ to gain a better understanding of how and why leaders make certain decisions—and also how those decisions benefit the department. Additionally, Wood reviews leadership articles published in the May/June issue of PROCESS, including challenges SP professionals fac...

In episode 66, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood continues his discussion of SP-related news stories that have made it into the mainstream media and the powerful ways SP professionals can learn from these issues. Two key topics include improperly cleaned, missing or incomplete instrument sets and the dangerous infection risks such incidents pose to patients. This podcast episode has reached...

In episode 65, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood discusses mainstream media, news stories related to Sterile Processing (SP), and the powerful ways SP professionals can learn from these issues. Two key topics addressed by Wood include water quality issues and the risks of electrothermal injuries (burns) from surgery instrumentation. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no lo...

In episode 64, host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood cleverly compares and contrasts instructions for use (IFU) for sterile processing and bass boats and discusses how key information allows products to be used properly and as intended. He also stresses the importance of creating a process and procedure list for safety and continuity. Finally, he reviews IFU-related PROCESS articles from the Ma...

In episode 63, guests Sarah Cruz and Casey Czarnowski discuss entry-level pathways for a career in Sterile Processing (SP). The two will define “entry-level” and address preconceived notions or negative connotations associated with entry-level positions, as well as some of the expectations and career growth opportunities available for SP professionals. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year m...

In episode 62, our host and HSPA clinical educator Jon Wood turns back the clock 10 years to see how far we have come in Sterile Processing(SP). Pulling articles from our association’s formerly-named Communiqué magazine, Jon reviews and assesses whether specific topics are still prevalent issues today (e.g., the importance of IFU, UDI identification systems, benchmarking, and an exploration of the...

In episode 61, host and clinical educator Jon Wood discusses recent activity surrounding the FDA medical safety information and adverse event reporting program (MedWatch) for healthcare professionals and patients. He specifically addresses the medical device reports relating to endoscope reprocessing and patient infections. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available t...

In episode 60, host and clinical educator Jon Wood discusses the March/April 2022 PROCESS article found in the “Inside Washington” column written by HSPA Clinical Educator, Susan Klacik. Jon reads, reviews, dissects the newly updated standard, and elaborates on the importance of having the standard readily available to all reprocessing staff. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year...

In episode 59, host and clinical educator Jon Wood discusses the exciting happenings at HSPA, including the upcoming Board of Directors election, details on the Board positions and candidates, and how (and why) to become an HSPA member. In the “What’s On My Mind” segment, Jon discusses a research track taking place at the HSPA Annual Conference in San Antonio and what it means to...

In episode 58, host Jon Wood dives deep into the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation 1910.1030 standard. He explains the basics of the regulation and why this document/law is so important. Jon also covers details in exposure control plans, methods of compliance, necessary PPE entitlement, and personal safety best practices. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available...

In episode 57, host Jon Wood discusses mental illness, mental health myths, and the hidden needs of those with mental health issues. He elaborates on the early signs of possible problems that can challenge positive mental health and makes suggestions on how to cut some of the “noise” in one’s life to emphasize the positive. Jon also discusses coping skills for stress-filled situations and anxiety,...

In episode 56, our featured guest, Cheron Rojo, reviews his HSPA Fellowship paper that addressed inspection and integrity testing of insulated instruments—specifically, the concerns for failure and the new guidelines for testing. He discusses his path to Fellowship and personal reasons for the specific topic and elaborates on his passion for researching the insulation testing amendment in ANSI/AAM...

Episode 55 features our popular “What’s on My Mind” segment, with host Jon Wood discussing the importance of record retention and the departmental research needed to assess how long an organization must retain and maintain records—and how to make informed decisions on policy and procedure. Also in this episode, the Mailbox Mania segment has Jon reviewing articles from the January/February 20...