When Sterile Processing Goes Down: An Economic Analysis of Alternative Strategies for Supporting the Service

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2017 Aug;38(8):1002-1004. doi: 10.1017/ice.2017.104. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

Abstract

Given steam-quality challenges at our facility, the financial impact of options for reopening the sterile processing service unit were explored; duration of closure was the major driver of costs. Other potential negative effects of operating-room shutdowns include injury to facility reputation, loss of staff, loss of reimbursements, and harm to residency programs. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1002-1004.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis*
  • Hospital Costs
  • Humans
  • Operating Rooms / economics
  • Operating Rooms / standards
  • Sterilization / economics*
  • Sterilization / methods
  • Surgical Instruments / economics
  • Surgical Instruments / microbiology
  • Surgical Instruments / standards