Mercy Ships and MDD Consulting partner on sterile processing training

by Michele DeMeo, Alison Brieseman and Ginger Henry

Sterile processing is increasingly recognized as an imperative component of healthcare here in the United States. During the past 40 or so years, there have been many changes. Sterile processing is becoming significantly integrated within the entire system of healthcare delivery. It is widely known in the industry that sterile processing is a contributing factor for patient outcomes—particularly surgical outcomes. The profession is not only being recognized, but there is also an active move to improve the processing of surgical instrumentation across the globe, in particular, in developing nations.

Patients are people and it is no less important whether the case or procedure is conducted in a traditional acute care facility in a western nation, a surgical center in a tiny town, physician office somewhere in Europe, on an extensively outfitted ship or in a clinic in a remote village in a developing African country. Patients deserve and need the best possible care, regardless of location. This includes care that uses instrumentation and other devices that have been properly processed using the best and latest techniques and resources possible. Sterile processing is more than just a department that simply distributes reprocessed goods or supplies. They are responsible for the quality of those items. Ultimately, the quality of the sterilization process is a contributing factor in whether or not a post procedure infection is more probable.

Supporting Developing Nations

Efforts to improve surgical instrumentation and equipment processing are not new, nor is it in many parts of Africa. However, sterile processing is not at an adequate level in many developing nations, including West Africa. It was this reality that I wanted to affect. However, improvement cannot happen by the actions of a single person. With this in mind, I sought to collaborate with an organization that had successful and extensive international healthcare humanitarian experience and results. For me the answer was clear: Mercy Ships.

Mercy Ships is an international charity that seeks to increase access to healthcare in the developing world. The organization deploys the world’s largest, private hospital ship to host nations to serve the dire needs of the local population in western Africa. Mercy Ships provides surgeon and medical professional training, curative surgical interventions and infrastructure development. The organization accomplishes these goals by working with health authorities to build capacity and support sustainable development of local medical personnel and facilities. Collaborating with qualified local and international partners, Mercy Ships programs offer support to developing nations striving to make healthcare accessible for all.

I could not think of a better organization to try to seek to partner efforts.

Sterile Processing Pilot Program

Between Mercy Ships’ experience and its talented crew, along with my sterile process background and experience, we recognized the potential of a partnership. Training in the particular principles and matters of sterile processing functions and tasks, in an organized and formal manner could be possible. The efforts of this program could be seen very quickly. As an initial phase of the program, we have decided to implement a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of the training.

Our goal is to begin teaching the CSSD course through a pilot project beginning April 2011. The course will take place onboard the Mercy Ships Africa Mercy while docked in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Members on the ship and two locals will participate. The course will be held over a 20-week period. In the course, training will involve classroom-style instruction and discussion, and practical, hand-on experience. This will help to foster an environment on the ship that will promote the study of this critical profession while getting to apply the techniques used to serve others nearly immediately.

Importantly, in this pilot program, local volunteers from the 2011 host nation of Sierra Leone will have an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in sterile processing. Solid knowledge transfer with the African nationals is the goal. If successful, these participants will have the opportunity to pass on and train others in their nation a set of valuable skills to use in the future. To have those who are part of this pilot program able to take the information learned and skills gained back into their country of origin cannot be underscored in its potential effect. If successful, we can take the program we are designing and model it for other future host countries, and maybe even adapt it for use off the ship and into ground facilities within each of the host countries. Truly, the possibilities are near endless.

This is no easy feat we are attempting. There are real logistical considerations that can hamper our efforts, if they are not managed well. Something as simple as the different time zones, or cultural differences, could influence our efforts and must be considered as we develop our approach. Overall, by my estimates, it will take a solid two to three years to determine just how extensive of a program we can develop and at what pace.

However, this is not to say we not excited or hopeful. We have a strong belief that there is enough experience and talent on both sides to produce not only a successful pilot, but also an enduring full-scale program over time.

By introducing the training in a pilot program, Mercy Ships and MDD can evaluate these potential limitations and adjust the program for future training courses. For example, feedback from the Sierra Leonean participants will provide crucial information of possible program modification. This evaluation will help Mercy Ships and MDD determine if and what cultural barriers prevented success, how time changes impacted the methodology, and whether the participants feel empowered to teach others. It will be after the post course assessment that both Mercy Ships and MDD will determine what the next steps will be in terms of continuing the program, modifying it and/or extending into the host countries themselves.

This is an exciting time for both Mercy Ships and MDD Consulting. While Mercy Ships has always soundly trained its volunteers, this is a new opportunity to improve that training and to impact sterile processing in West African countries. We have an opportunity to make a difference in a very important, specialized field for many people who might not have had an opportunity to learn these skills. We are thrilled to be a part of the continuation and/or start of building the SPD/CSSD profession and excellence in other developing countries.

Michele DeMeo is the sterile processing manager for Memorial Hospital, York, Pa. and an independent consultant, MDD Consulting (www.mddconsulting.vpweb.com). She can be contacted directly at mdemeo@mhyork.org or 717.849.5355. Ms. DeMeo has more than 18 years experience in the field of sterile processing and materials handling in the healthcare environment. She is active in AORN, IAHCSMM and is a voting member for several AAMI working documents. In addition, she has authored numerous articles for various publications. Ms. DeMeo is available for any consultation, public speaking, and corporate and general healthcare facility consultation.

Alison Brieseman is the operating room supervisor onboard the M/V Africa Mercy. She has served with Mercy Ships for six years. Prior to joining Mercy Ships, Ms. Brieseman served as a nurse in New Zealand. She will oversee the implementation of the training program in the hospital.

Ginger Henry currently serves as the operating room educator onboard the M/V Africa Mercy. She has served with Mercy Ships for two years and will assist with program implementation.