How can AI help address some of the long-standing challenges faced by CSSDs?
5. The Answer is AI
How can CSSDs address some of their most long-standing challenges to reduce errors, increase efficiency and contribute to better patient outcomes? We explore why AI could hold the answer…
Sterile processing is plagued by inefficiencies: from overloaded, incomplete, or incorrect surgical trays, to lack of staff training, leading to mistakes during item handling and processing. However, new technologies present new opportunities, and developments in AI now have the potential to revolutionize the surgical sterilization process.
Sterile processing is plagued by inefficiencies: from overloaded, incomplete, or incorrect surgical trays, to lack of staff training, leading to mistakes during item handling and processing. However, new technologies present new opportunities, and developments in AI now have the potential to revolutionize the surgical sterilization process.
Traditional approaches to tracking surgical instruments are unreliable, due in large part to the use of physical tags or stickers that can be lost or damaged.
Track and trace trays, without the need for Tags
Traditional approaches to tracking surgical instruments are unreliable, due in large part to the use of physical tags or stickers that can be lost or damaged. Our AI and computer vision technology has the capability to automatically identify instruments, tracking their journey through a CSSD to the theatre, and back again.
Incomplete surgical trays incur financial penalties and with manual processes comes human error. One alternative solution is Augmented Intelligence in SPDs using AI and Robotics, which can automate packing. Working alongside technical staff, this collaborative AI platform creates a safety net across multiple checkpoints and limits mistakes.
Training, packing and sustainable surgery
Better optimized trays could also increase efficiencies across the surgical chain, which in turn reduces the overall carbon footprint of SSDs and surgery.
Training will always be a critical component of success for SSDs and AI has a role here too. As technologies change and new instruments come into use, AI-led programs can be used to educate staff on correct identification, how to spot packing errors, and remove malfunctioning instruments.
This type of training can be implemented faster and more consistently, which means that staff are trained more quickly. For overstretched and understaffed teams where every minute counts, it can also serve to increase overall capacity, supporting all members of the SSD to become confident, accurate and efficient technicians, and ultimately supporting improved surgical care for patients.
If you work in a CSSD and you're ready to embark on a journey of discovery to achieve greater efficiency while reducing costs, get in touch with us to find out whether we can help you and your teams.
Traditional approaches to tracking surgical instruments are unreliable, due in large part to the use of physical tags or stickers that can be lost or damaged. Our AI and computer vision technology has the capability to automatically identify instruments, tracking their journey through a CSSD to the theatre, and back again.
Incomplete surgical trays incur financial penalties and with manual processes comes human error. One alternative solution is Augmented Intelligence in SPDs using AI and Robotics, which can automate packing. Working alongside technical staff, this collaborative AI platform creates a safety net across multiple checkpoints and limits mistakes.
Training, packing and sustainable surgery
Better optimized trays could also increase efficiencies across the surgical chain, which in turn reduces the overall carbon footprint of SSDs and surgery.
Training will always be a critical component of success for SSDs and AI has a role here too. As technologies change and new instruments come into use, AI-led programs can be used to educate staff on correct identification, how to spot packing errors, and remove malfunctioning instruments.
This type of training can be implemented faster and more consistently, which means that staff are trained more quickly. For overstretched and understaffed teams where every minute counts, it can also serve to increase overall capacity, supporting all members of the SSD to become confident, accurate and efficient technicians, and ultimately supporting improved surgical care for patients.
If you work in a CSSD and you're ready to embark on a journey of discovery to achieve greater efficiency while reducing costs, get in touch with us to find out whether we can help you and your teams.
May 4, 2022