Innovative Training Program Improves SPD Technicians’ Mastery of Complex Skillsets

By Kelly M. Pyrek

Hands-on learning has been found to be more effective than mere classroom instruction in many sectors, so it’s no surprise that researchers continue to see promising results among students who have the advantage of honing real-world skillsets. But it’s not often that a novel model for training sterile processing professionals accomplishes such an impressive success rate for its target learning objectives.

A recent pilot study conducted by Ofstead & Associates Inc. and underwritten by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Foundation documented that trainees’ test scores, scope-defect identification skills and competencies all improved significantly and confidence in their abilities remained high after training.

Trainee Andrew Ghens, CRCST, CIS, a supervisor in the central equipment distribution department of a California hospital says that the numbers speak for themselves: “Going from a 100 percent failure rate to a 100 percent passing rate, which was held constant for 12 months after the study finished, should be enough for any educator or leader to see the value of this type of training program.”

As the healthcare industry evolves in complexity, so do the clinical tools and technology used to deliver lifesaving care. The hospital sterile processing department (SPD) -- tasked with decontaminating, cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing and packaging these sophisticated medical and surgical instruments and devices -- is one of the most essential components of safeguarding patient safety and preventing infections. However, this department has also wrestled with underfunding, understaffing and inadequate resourcing, which can severely impact education and training of SPD technicians.

The objective of the pilot program conducted by Ofstead & Associates Inc. was to develop and evaluate a new training model that supports mastery and retention of complex key skills. As Ofstead, et al. (2023) report, their model focused on visual inspection of endoscopes using borescopes to detect minute flaws in equipment or hidden bioburden accumulation that could lead to infections and adverse events. Pre- and post-training tests were administered to enhance learning during a face-to-face workshop that interspersed lectures and hands-on practice, followed by structured homework, and an online booster session.

Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, vice president of strategic initiatives for HSPA, says the impetus for this training program was steeped in a concept that HSPA had been considering for some time. “In my previous role, where I managed sterile processing for multiple facilities—and now in my current role with HSPA—I have the privilege of visiting many departments and speaking with sterile processing professionals who perform their critical roles day in and out.”

Berg continues, “Two questions that I hear frequently are, ‘When should I do training?’ and ‘How long should we wait until we retrain?’ We knew that complex skills are perishable (that is, employees must work to stay focused, sharp and consistent and ensure their practices align with standards, instructions for use and best practices), but there was no real data about how current training is retained and how long before refresher training should be performed to ensure skills remain where they need to be. This is what led HSPA to move forward and begin this novel research with Ofstead & Associates and develop the innovative training approaches.”

Berg adds that during the preconference Educators Forum at the 2024 HSPA Conference in Las Vegas, participants will learn how to apply the new training approach.

The need for this innovative type of hands-on, real-world training is evidenced by the seeming acceleration of the number of endoscopes that remain contaminated following processing activities.

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