Finding solutions to loaner instrumentation
AORN joins Orthopedic Council with IAHCSMM, AAMI and others to address challenges with loaners
By Carina Stanton
Senior News Editor
Loaner trays and specifically, loaner orthopedic instrumentation present a number of challenges for sterile processing professionals, vendors and perioperative staff members because the process for vendors bringing in loaner instrumentation is complex. Trays need to be inspected, signed-off at the point of delivery, sterilized according to manufacturer instructions and returned in safe and proper condition. Requirements for extended sterilization cycles and the OR’s need for instruments to be sterilized quickly in order to meet tight schedules only adds to the challenges.
In a collaborative effort to address these growing concerns related to loaner instrumentation, AORN has partnered with a dedicated multidisciplinary committee called the Orthopedic Council, which is led by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the Orthopedic Surgical Manufacturers Association (OSMA). Chaired by Bob Marrs BA, CRCST, CHL, who is currently a member of IAHCSMM’s board of directors, the council was created to develop policies, procedures and products that enhance patient care and are safe and efficient for sterile processing and central service departments, and beyond.
“Loaner instrumentation is a growing concern not only for sterile processing, but for perioperative nurses and others,” said Rose Seavey, RN, BS, MBA, CNOR, ACSP, a member of AORN’s board of directors who will serve as AORN’s liaison to the Orthopedic Council.
One unique benefit Seavey sees with this Orthopedic Council is that several members are vendors who provide loaner trays to facilities.
“We need to respect what all of our colleagues bring to the table, and we need to recognize that with technology changing so much, we need to listen to our colleagues, including vendors, professionals working in the OR and specialists working in sterile processing,” she said. “Together we can find ways to address the challenges we face with loaner instrumentation.”
Seavey is available to field any questions or comments AORN members and others may have about the work of the Orthopedic Council. To contact Seavey send an e-mail to rose@seaveyhealthcareconsulting.com.
Read more news in AORN Connections.