Saturday, May 2, 2015 Hands-On Labs and Workshops

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Hands-On Labs and Workshops

Fluorescence Based Protein Detection Testing

Speakers: Dr. David Perrett, Rose Seavey, Thomas Overbey

1 Hour

The detection of residual proteins is considered to be a necessary step for the validation of decontamination procedures

in hospital SPDs. Protein determinations are conducted off-instrument by either wet swabbing part of the instrument or

by soaking the instrument in a detergent solution. Previous studies have demonstrated that significant amounts of

adsorbed BSA or fibrinogen, (a relatively hydrophobic protein with some similar characteristics to prion proteins) can

remain on the instrument after swabbing with water or detergent solutions. A suggested alternative approach is the in-

situ detection of residual proteins on the actual instruments. Proteins adsorbed onto surfaces can be directly quantified

by a number of possible techniques. Many such techniques are at present far too complex and expensive for routine

use. Another technique is through the use of fluorescence imaging since it can offer considerably more sensitivity. This

lab will provide a thorough step-by-step demonstration of fluorescence based protein test detection and follow-up

discussion by the inventors of the only system of its kind.

Learning Objectives:

Explain the benefit of in-situ fluorescence protein test detection on surgical instruments in both quantitative and qualitative forms.

Discuss AAMI guidelines on instrument inspection. Dr. David Perrett: I am Professor of BioAnalytical Science in Barts & the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary

University of London, U.K. In 1999, the U.K. Department of Health established a research group on Prion removal from

surgical instruments. I have been a member of that group ever since. The group's research now covers general

decontamination. Over the last 15 years I have been funded by DH (UK), to research standards of decontamination in

SSDs, investigate improved methods to optimize washer disinfector performance using design of experiments and

develop a new fluorescent system to detect residual protein on instruments. I lecture both nationally and

internationally. I have published over 250 books, chapters and peer reviewed papers.

Rose Seavey: Rose Seavey President/CEO of Seavey Healthcare Consulting was the Director of the Sterile Processing

Department Children’s Hospital of Denver. Rose served on AORN’s Board in 2008-2010 and was President of ASHCSP.

She was awarded AORN’s Mentorship Award 2012, Outstanding Achievement 2001, IAHCSMM’s 2013 award of Honor,

Industry Leadership Award from the Massachusetts and the educator of the year award from Golden West chapter. She

is one of the Who’s Who in Infection Prevention 2006 by Infection Control Today. She authored Sterile Processing In

Healthcare Facilities: Preparing for Accreditations Surveys, published by AAMI. She serves on several AAMI committees

writing standards.

Thomas Overbey: Thomas' experience originated as media producer at The University of South Florida, College of

Medicine. For over three years, he produced content for research and education. In 1984, he founded Sprint

Multimedia, Inc., producing medical media for just under thirty years. Overbey also served as Technical Director of The

Virtual Operating Room for several years marketing and producing live and on-demand educational content through

filming of numerous surgical procedures. Other achievements include comprehensive education based cardiac nursing

training series for the Hospital Corporation of America and the production of media in the area f Atrial Fibrillation. In

2008, Overbey served as a Producer for MDiTV.org. He produced a live case from a hybrid operating suite to iPhones; a

first ever for a live medical procedure.

How to Improve Occupational Performance & Reduce Work-Related Injuries – Move It Speakers: Deborah Bunn

1 Hour

The CS occupation can be physically demanding, leading to work-related injuries that result in lost productivity,

workman comp claims and lower morale. This session will focus on approaches for improving these issues with lifestyle

changes that include physical activity along with healthier food choices. For those brave enough to attend, dress

comfortably for this session will end with a short fun, interactive, energetic activity!


Identify ergonomic stressors that CS employees are most likely to encounter.

Define the components of a job safety analysis.

Identify work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), contributing factors, signs and symptoms.

Explain correlation between physical fitness, productivity and work related injuries.

Discuss strategies to reduce WMSDs and improve work-related performance.

Perform fun exercises to strengthen the mind and body.

Deborah Bunn: Deborah Bunn is the Manger for Central Services for University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore-

Washington Medical Center located in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Deborah has over 30 years of experience in the

healthcare field, 25 of those being in the central service profession. She is an active board-member of the Maryland

Association for Sterile Processing Professionals and is a Past-President of the Greater Washington Central Service

Association. Deborah, better known as Debby to her friends and family, has taught the CS course for more than 20 years.

Recently, she has been recognized by IAHCSMM as a “Subject Matter Expert” and assisted with their efforts to update

the certification exam. Certification through IAHCSMM as a CRCST, CIS, CHL and ACE has given Debby the knowledge

skill set she needs to manage a busy CS department; however, it’s her certification as group fitness instructor that has

given her the stamina to keep up with the demands of the CS profession.

Surgical Instrument Inspection

Speakers: Don Garrison

1 Hour

Surgical Instrument Inspection and Processing provides an understanding how to implement proper inspection and

identify instruments in need of repair or replace. It assists in understanding the importance of CSPD in patient safety,

surgeon satisfaction and cost controls.


Review processes to implement proper inspection of instruments and methods identify instruments in need of repair.

Explain the importance of functional instruments provided by CSPD in patient safety, surgeon satisfaction and cost controls.

Don Garrison: Served 35 years in the surgical instrument business covering cities in 12 states. Focused on sales, service

and education to hospitals, teaching institutions, and surgical centers in all areas of surgical instruments used by

Specialty Surgeons, Operating Room staff and Sterile Processing Departments for civilian and military hospitals. After

flying for 6 years active duty with the Air Force he flew with the AF Reserves and retired in 1995 with the rank of Major

having flown over 5,000 hours in various military & civilian aircraft . He presently holds an FAA Flight Instructor

Certificate and teaches aviation courses in the Austin, Texas area while conducting educational seminars for PREZIO

Health. When asked to serve an additional 2 years with the Air Force on a “Retired Recall ” he accepted the offer and

was assigned to Global Strike Command. He was deployed to the Middle East for a tour of duty at the Combined Air &

Space Center and upon completion of his assignment returned to the ranks of the Air Force retired again in 2012 with 22

years of military service. Don obtained his BA in Business Management in 1971 from the University of Tulsa. Don

obtained his MBA in Business Administration in 1980 from the University of South Dakota. He resides in Austin, Texas

with his wife of 34 years.

Sharper Writing Skills Across All Experience Levels

Speakers: Julie Williamson

1 Hour

Participants in this hands-on workshop will learn practical strategies for improving professional writing skills,

brainstorming topic ideas, and turning focused topics into Fellowship papers or publishable articles for IAHCSMM

publications, healthcare magazines, journals, and more. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions

about the writing and Fellowship process.


Differentiate between various writing styles to suit different applications (from internal facility/departmental newsletters and proposals to trade publications, journals, IAHCSMM Fellowship, and more).

Engage in writing exercises to help put successful writing and editing strategies into practice.

Julie Williamson: Julie E. Williamson, BA, has served as IAHCSMM’s Editor since 2000 and now serves as IAHCSMM’s

Communications Director and Editor. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and has had hundreds of articles

published on topics related to Central Service, Surgical Services, Infection Prevention, and Materials Management. In her

role as IAHCSMM’s Communications Director, she writes, coordinates and edits articles for Communiqué and Central

Source; researches, writes and edits articles for various healthcare journals and trade publications; drafts press

materials; manages mass communication initiatives; and mentors up-and-coming authors and editorial contributors.

CS Around the World: An International Exchange Update

Speakers: International Sister CSSD Ambassadors along with Program Facilitators, Cem Yurttas and Natalie Lind

1 Hour

Sometimes, the best lessons are those learned from our peers, including those who work abroad. The key learnings

from the third annual International Sister CSSD program will be shared with the audience. The country practices and

experiences to be highlighted are China, Argentina, and Russia.


Compare basic CSSD practices in selected countries.

Identify similarities between CSSD departments in selected countries.

Discuss the International CSSD Exchange Program.

Discuss the progress of the CS profession worldwide.

Cem Yurttas: Dr. H. Cem (Gem) Yurttas is the Global Scientific Affairs and Education Manager at the 3M Healthcare

Business' Infection Prevention Division in St. Paul, MN in the USA. He has given lectures in over 30 countries on the

topics of Infection Prevention strategies around CSSD practices. Dr. Yurttas is also the co-creator fo the IAHCSMM-3M

International Sister CSSD Educational Exchange Program, which is the largest educational exchange program in the

world. He is married and living with his wife and two teenage children in the suburbs of St. Paul, MN.

Natalie Lind: Natalie Lind is the Education Director for IAHCSMM. She has over 35 years’ experience in the sterile

processing profession. Along with extensive experience in healthcare facilities, Natalie served as Program Director for a

CS college program. Natalie has presented both nationally and internationally. She has published over 200 articles on a

wide variety of sterile processing topics and has served as co-editor on several IAHCSMM publications. Natalie is the

recipient of several awards including International CS Educator of the Year, the Excellence in Technical Education Award,

and three IAHCSMM’s President’s awards. In 2012, Natalie was listed in the Who’s Who in Infection Prevention.

CSSD Ambassadors: Selected CSSD Ambassadors will join the presentation sharing their observations and experiences.

Power Equipment

Speakers: Dr. Rodney Parker

1 Hour

Proper cleaning procedures for Stryker complex instrumentation


Discuss the proper techniques for cleaning non-immersible equipment.

Explain how and why the manufacturer’s validations ensure positive cleaning outcomes.

Discuss the hints and how-to’s of complex instrumentation processing.

Dr. Rodney Parker: Dr. Parker is the Senior Principal Sciences in the Instrument Division of Stryker Corporation. In this

role, he is responsible research and investigation of issues regarding cleaning, sterilization, material compatibility and

microbiology practices with power surgical equipment and accessories. His current area of focus in on validation

requirements for cleaning focused on orthopedic equipment, including cleaning chemistries, automated cleaning

process and relevance to surgical site infections. Dr. Parker worked in pharmaceutical research for 18 years before

joining Stryker in 1995. He is a current member for numerous AAMI and Canadian Standards Association technical

sterilization standards committees and has authored portions of the current standards concerning cleaning and

sterilization of reusable equipment.

Things You Need to Know as a First Time Supervisor

Speakers: Jean Sargent and Scott Davis

1 Hour

As a new supervisor, or someone looking to become a supervisor, can be daunting. This interactive session will provide

you with guidance to be successful in the various aspects of supervision and managing a department. Being compliant

with standards such as AAMI, AORN, etc. is essential. This is written and can be followed, however, there are other skills

such as mentoring, training and leadership that are normally learned thru trial and error. Through presentation of

information and suggestions, group discussions as well as open discussion, this session will enable you to have a basic

knowledge base to create a foundation on which to build and become a successful leader.


Identify tools needed to follow standards.

Discuss methods to demonstrate your knowledge.

Identify situations when you should to raise the flag for help.

Jean Sargent: Jean Sargent has over 36 years of experience in Central Service/Materials and Supply Chain Management.

Prior to joining MedAssets, Sargent was Director of Supply Chain at University of Southern California (USC) and

University of Kentucky, and Director of Central Service and Receiving at UCLA Healthcare. Sargent has been actively

involved with education as a speaker, educator, and writer/editor for the Central Service 7th Edition Technical Manual

and 1st edition of the Healthcare Leadership Manual. Sargent was President of AHRMM in 2007 and received the Geroge

R. Gossett Leadership Award in 2010 for her contributions to the association/industry. Sargent is a recognized leader in

the industry.

Scott Davis: Over 30 years experience in healthcare Materials Management, Central Service and related fields; with

major focus on redeveloping departments, process workflow change management, facilities construction/remodeling

and problem solving. Fifteen years consulting in Materials Management, Central Service, and Surgical Services, including

healthcare industry product development, pre and post release product validation. Have successfully published articles

in Healthcare Purchasing News, Materials Management in Health Care and the Communique magazines; also have made

contributions to articles for a number of other professional organizational publications. A National speaker on subjects

pertinent to the Central Service and Materials Management disciplines; with emphasis on operational functionalities and

development to include regulatory survey readiness. Assisted with the development and editing of manuals for both

Central Service Technicians and Materials Management professionals.

How Well Does Your Department Support Patient Safety – Periodic Device Testing Made

Easy

Speakers: Richard Schule

1 Hour

In roughly 95% of the observations and assessments that took place between *2010-2013, SPD's & CS's were found

lacking documentation supporting periodic device testing in their departments as a part of quality systems identified in

ANSI/AAMI ST79. It is painfully apparent CS professionals are finding it difficult to verify their particular clinical practices

are effective in producing sterile dry sets. No matter your level of experience in the CS profession, this workshop will

prepare you and provide you with the necessary tools to begin immediate work and implementation of periodic device

testing in your department.


Identify the resources available to support a device testing program.

Explain the steps taken to conduct testing on devices frequently processed in their department.

Discuss intelligently and with supporting rationale the importance of structured documentation supporting their testing of devices frequently processed.

Richard Schule: Richard Schule is the Director of Clinical Education for STERIS Corporation and Chair of STERIS

University. He is responsible for managing the clinical education team, directing their programs, developing curricula,

and acquiring credentialing for new programs. He is uncompromisingly dedicated to helping healthcare professionals

achieve best practices in sterile processing and surgical environments. Mr. Schule's career in healthcare began over 30

years ago in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman and surgical technologist. He later earned a Bachelor of

Science in Healthcare Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and a Master of Business

Administration from the University of Phoenix. In addition to maintaining multiple fellowships and certifications, Mr.

Schule also maintains membership with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), the

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and

Epidemiology (APIC), the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), the

International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), and the Society of

Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). Mr. Schule served proudly as IAHCSMM's President from 2007 - 2009.

Ethics in the Workplace

Speakers: Lisa Huber

1 Hour

In this presentation we will look at the question of ethics in a variety of workplace situations in which a CS Technician

might find him/her self; some of which the attendee might not even think of as a question of ethics. In addition, we will

look at how ethics is viewed in healthcare and in the culture.


Review the basic concepts of ethics.

Discuss ethics in Healthcare and in the culture.

Discuss ethical issues in CS (large and small) that technicians must face in the daily course of their job. Lisa Huber: Lisa Huber has over 25 years of experience in CS/Materials Management. She is currently Sterile Processing Manager at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL. Lisa is an approved instructor of the IAHCSMM CS Technicians Training Course. She has written articles for Communiqué, Infection Control Today, AORN Journal and other publications. In 2009 Lisa was listed as a “Who’s Who in Infection Prevention” by Infection Control Today Magazine. She is a member of a World Health Organization (WHO) task force on medical device decontamination. She has spoken locally, nationally and internationally and has contributed to several IAHCSMM educational publications. Lisa was IAHCSMM President 2009-2011.

Sterile Forensics

Speakers: Francis Aka-ebila Aka-eri

1 Hour

As quality assurance is inevitable in every manufacturing process, the need for quality assurance technicians is on the

rise. Simply because quality has no quitting time in any industry that creates survival value. Unfortunately, in sterile

processing quality assurance seem to have taken back stage and that must end. Sterile Forensics is here to initiate the

process of quality assurance in sterile processing. Our goal is to train masters of sterile forensics or sterile scientists

whose responsibility would be to ensure quality in the processing of surgical instruments in hospitals and surgical

centers across the globe.


Explore methods to detect and resolve daily challenges in sterile processing departments making use of simple logic and scientific methods.

Learn and apply the science of sterile forensics in a sterile processing department to track and resolve issues.

Identify strategies to improve and sustain quality in the processing of surgical instruments. Francis Aka-ebila Aka-eri: Aka-ebila Aka-eri is a writer, inventor and master of sterile forensics. He was born and bred in a royal family that once united the northern kingdoms of ancient Africa, and it was here where studying African civilization was mandatory. Although he attended many western schools, African civilization remains at the core of his education and rightful path. To Aka-ebila Akaeri, education is not about credentials, but rather how well we each make use of our uniqueness to make the world a better place.

First Time’s a Charm – A Guide for First Time Attendees

Speakers: Valerie Kozik

1 Hour

Come and learn from a veteran attendee how to maneuver the conference, how to choose the educational

presentations to fit your needs (managerial/technical), work the exposition hall, enjoy the many social events sponsored

by our vendors and learn how to network and meet new mentors.


Review information to ease navigation in the conference hall.

Identify conference resources (IAHCSSM Employees, Registration Desk, PDRC (Ask Me Button)Members)

Explain the difference between the managerial sessions and technical sessions.

Discuss Early Bird Sessions and benefits of them.

Explain the benefits of the social events by vendors.

Discuss strategies to help first time attendees “navigate” through expo hall.

Discuss the role of networking in developing lifelong friendships and mentorships with attendees. Valerie Kozik: Valerie Kozik, LPN, BS, CRST, CIS, CHL is Assistant Chief, Sterile Processing Services at the Memphis VA Hospital. She received an LPN from Delta Ouachita and a B.S. degree in Health Administration from Colorado Tech University. She has been involved in the area of sterile processing for over fifteen years and is an active member of IAHCSMM. Ms. Kozik is passionate about the treatment of “her veterans” and works to ensure that the highest standards for processing are incorporated at the Memphis VA. In addition, Ms. Kozik believes strongly that one should be involved in professional organizations and advocates attending conferences, training, and presenting to colleagues around the area, region, and at national events.

Achieving a Better Work/Life Balance: Leave the Juggling Act for the Circus

Speakers: Nola Bayes

1 Hour

This workshop will give participants an opportunity to analyze the “balance” in their day-to day-life and to learn to use

“tools” to make the changes needed to achieve a better work/life balance. Participants will be using tools to identify

work/life balance issues, prioritization skills and other strategies to achieve a better balance. Interaction will be through

small group discussion and role playing exercises.

Lesson Objectives:

Explain the dangers of the lack of work/life balance.

List common causes for work/life balance issues.

Practice strategies to enhance goal-setting and prioritization.

Nola Bayes: Nola is a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in acute care settings. She is a member of several

AAMI working group sterilization committees that are developing sterilization standards, and a member of IAHCSMM.

She is an independent CSSD consultant and educator, who has published numerous articles and lectured extensively.

She is the Director of the Patient Experience at Sanford Health System Fargo Region, Fargo ND.

Tear and Moisture Management

Speakers: Ray Taurasi and Stephen Kovach 1 Hour

Identifying the specific cause for tears and/or wet packs is typically a very time consuming and frustrating process. This workshop will help guide the Sterile Processing Professional through a series of questions and answers to help resolve these two common issues. Techniques and products will be demonstrated that can be used in ever Sterile Processing Area to help resolve tearing and moisture (wet packs).


Define wet steam and its causes.

Learn the difference between internal and external wetness.

Review common solutions to resolving wet steam.

Learn the common cause of tearing of surgical wrap.

Understand how to reduce and prevent tearing of surgical wrap. Ray Taurasi: Ray’s healthcare career spans over four decades as an Administrator, Educator, Technologist and Consultant. He has authored several articles and has been a featured speaker on the international scene. For the past 12 years he has authored a monthly column in HPN entitled CS Solutions. Committed to community health affairs he served two terms as an elected official on the Board of Health in the metropolitan Boston area. He is a past president of IAHCSMM. and an active member of AORN, AAMI, and SGNA. In addition to his professional credentials in the field of Sterilization Technology and Education, he holds a Masters degree in Business Administration. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards including HPN’s selection as one of the “Most Influential People in Healthcare Sterile Processing” over the last 30 years. Currently he is the Eastern Regional Director of Clinical Sales and Services for Healthmark Industries.

Stephen Kovach: Stephen is active both on the state and national levels of various organizations having held many positions. He was the Educational chair for AORN Specialty Assembly for SP/MM (2006-2010). He is a voting member on various AAMI committees. Stephen was named by Hospital Purchasing News as one of the 30 most influential people within the field of Central Service. Stephen is very proud to say I have “WORKED IN THE HEART OF THE HOSPITAL CENTRAL SERVICE".

The IAHCSMM Certification Process: A User’s Guide for You and Your Staff

Speakers: Nick Baker

1 Hour

Have questions about the certification process? Come learn the ins and outs, straight from the source.

This workshop will provide an overview of the procedures for obtaining and maintaining IAHCSMM certification. We will

also look at recent changes to our certification programs brought about by the accreditation of our CRCST certification,

and answer any specific questions attendees might have about any of our certification programs.


At the end of this session, attendees will have a better understanding of:

• Explain the importance of IAHCSMM’s accredited certification. • Review the process of preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining IAHCSMM certification. • Discuss recent changes in regard to IAHCSMM’s certification exams and re-certification process. • Review methods to better navigate the IAHCSMM website in relation to certification & re-certification.

Nick Baker: Nick Baker is IAHCSMM's Certification Manager, overseeing the development, administration, maintenance

and day-to-day operations of the Association's certification programs.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Educators Forum Workshops

Professional Writing Tips for Educators at Every Experience Level

Speakers: Julie Williamson

1 Hour

Participants will learn practical strategies for improving professional writing skills, developing creative brainstorming and transforming topic ideas into articles for publication. Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between various writing styles to suit different applications (from internal facility/departmental newsletters and proposals to trade publications, journals, IAHCSMM Fellowship, and more)

• Engage in writing exercises to help put successful writing and editing strategies into practice Julie Williamson: Ms. Williamson, BA, has served as IAHCSMM's Editor since 2000 and now serves as IAHCSMM's Communications Director and Editor. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and has had hundreds of articles published on topics related to Central Service, Surgical Services, Infection Prevention, and Materials Management. In her role as IAHCSMM's Communication Director, she writes, coordinates and edits articles for Communiqué and Central Source; researches, writes and edits articles for various helathcare journals and trade publications; drafts press materials; manages mass communication initiatives; and mentors up-and-coming authors and editorial contributors.

Teaching Tips for Surgical Instrument Training

Speakers: Don Garrison

1 Hour

Educators help CS professional understand the importance of their role in the care and handling of surgical instruments while identifying instrument issues and challenges during inspection and processing. This program will provide instrument teaching tips for Educators. Learning Objectives:

• Review teaching strategies to help technicians understand how to implement proper inspection of instruments and how to identify instruments in need of repair.

• Discuss methods to help technicians understand the importance of CS in patient safety, surgeon satisfaction and cost controls.

Don Garrison: Garrison served 35 years in the surgical instrument business covering cities in 12 states. Focused on sales, service and education to hospitals, teaching institutions, and surgical centers in all areas of surgical instruments used by Specialty Surgeons, Operating Room staff and Sterile Processing Departments for civilian and military hospitals. After flying for 6 years active duty with the Air Force he flew with the AF Reserves and retired in 1995 with the rank of Major having flown over 5,000 hours in various military & civilian aircraft . He presently holds an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate and teaches aviation courses in the Austin, Texas area while conducting educational seminars for PREZIO Health. When asked to serve an additional 2 years with the Air Force on a 'Retired Recall ' he accepted the offer and was assigned to Global Strike Command. He was deployed to the Middle East for a tour of duty at the Combined Air & Space Center and upon completion of his assignment returned to the ranks of the Air Force retired again in 2012 with 22 years of military service. Garrison obtained his BA in Business Management in 1971 from the University of Tulsa and obtained his MBA in Business Administration in 1980 from the University of South Dakota. He resides in Austin, TX with his wife of 34 years.

Planning Education Programs for Your Facility

Speakers: Gwendolyn Byrd

1 Hour

Developing and maintaining an educated staff is not an easy task. Careful assessment, planning, delivery and follow-up are critical to success. This program will examine strategies for assessing educational needs as well as planning and developing staff education programs and measuring programs' effectiveness. Learning Objectives:

• Identify methods to assess staff education needs. • List methods to develop a multi-tiered staff education plan. • List steps for program planning. • Discuss measurement systems to evaluate improved performance related to education.

Gwendolyn Byrd: Ms. Byrd is the Central Processing Educator for the CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA Network where she is responsible for the comprehensive educational program for CS processes for 25 locations including the hospital, ambulatory surgical facilities and specialty care centers throughout PA and NJ vicinity. Byrd has 35 years' experience in CS, having held various roles from technician to manager. She holds CRCST, CIS, CHL and CFER certifications. She has been an IAHCSMM Approved Instructor since 2009, and also serves on the education committee for the Mid Atlantic Central Service Association. She is an affiliate member of AAMI through CHOP, and has served as a Subject Matter Expert for IAHCSMM. Byrd has presented programs on CS-related topics to CS and Infection Prevention groups.

Developing Effective Teaching Skills

Speakers: Natalie Lind

1 Hour

Whether you are an experienced educator or just starting out, this program will help you identify must-have teaching skills and develop a plan to enhance those skills and grow as an educator. This program will look at skills that can help make good educators, great. Learning Objectives:

• Identify traits of excellent educators. • Review components of an "Educator's Job Description". • Identify strategies for skills enhancements.

Natalie Lind: Natalie Lind is the Educational Director for the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). Lind has over 35 years' experience in the sterile processing profession having served as a technician, department manager, professional educator, consultant and author. Along with extensive experience in healthcare facilities, she served as Program Director for the Northwest Technical College Health Systems Processing program for 11 years. She holds a Fellowship in Sterile Processing and is perhaps most well known for her CS continuing education columns which were published monthly for over 12 years. Lind has presented several programs on sterile processing techniques both nationally and internationally and has partnered with facilities in Russia, China, The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to provide sterile processing education. In 2005, she authored "Identification, Handling, and Processing of Surgical Instruments", an instrument resource text. In 2007, she served as co-editor of IAHCSMM's "Central Service Technical Manual, Seventh Edition". In 2010, she served as co-editor of IAHCSMM's, "Central Service Leadership Manual". Lind is the recipient of several awards including International CS Educator of the Year in 1993 and 2000, the Excellence in Technical Education Award in 1993, and IAHCSMM's President's awards in 1994, 1995, and 2003. She was listed in the Who's Who in Infection Prevention by Infection Control Today magazine in 2012.

Sunday, May 3, 2015 General and Concurrent Sessions

Opening Keynote Speaker

Speakers: Dr. Paul Maurer

1 ½ Hours

Dr. Maurer is the Chief of Neurosurgery at Unity Hospital. He also serves as the Surgical Director of the Spine Center at

Unity Hospital.

He completed both his Doctor of Medicine Degree and his residency at the University of Rochester School of Medicine

and Dentistry and is currently a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Rochester. Board certified in

Neurological Surgery, Dr. Maurer has had more than 20 years of hospital and community based neurosurgery

experience, which include cranial and spinal procedures. He has a special interest in CSM and ballistic injuries. Dr.

Maurer has proudly served in the military with the rank of Major, U.S. Army (Neurosurgery); Active Duty Service: 1990-

1991; Chief of Neurosurgery 86th Evacuation Hospital (101st Airborne / 82nd Airborne), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

Decorations/Citations: Bronze Star (for leadership in a combat theater) | 07/01/1986 - 07/01/1991. Dr. Maurer has

received numerous awards and is a highly acclaimed speaker at national and international conferences.

Taking a Closer Look at the Dirt on Flexible Endoscopes

Speakers: Cori Ofstead

1 Hour

Recent outbreaks of multidrug-resistant infections were tied to contaminated flexible endoscopes, even though investigators determined technicians had followed current reprocessing guidelines. How could this happen? Ofstead, an epidemiologist with experience as a hospital laboratory technician, will share results from her real-world studies conducted in 2013-2014. These studies found that viable microbes remained on flexible endoscopes, even when proper reprocessing steps were followed. She will explain why national leaders have begun to call for major changes in guidelines to address these issues -- including a shift to sterilization, rather than high-level disinfection, for these sensitive instruments. Ofstead will also discuss what’s new and what may be coming from guideline-issuing organizations, and explore challenges with implementation for those on the front lines. The presentation will include practical tips for addressing built-up biofilm and getting endoscopes clean given the new evidence about persistent contamination. Learning Objectives:

• Describe the perils of hidden multidrug-resistant organisms on flexible endoscopes. • Explain circumstances leading to patient exposure to contaminated endoscopes. • Discuss methods used to determine that contamination persisted on gastrointestinal endoscopes even when

technicians reprocessed them in accordance with guidelines. • Understand new guidance related to monitoring the effectiveness of endoscope reprocessing. • Identify strategies for assessing risk and improving the effectiveness of reprocessing in real-world settings.

Cori Ofstead: As an epidemiologist with 25 years’ experience, Cori Ofstead leads a team that designs and conducts real-

world studies. She worked as a hospital laboratory technician, and she has a public health degree from the University of

Minnesota. Cori completed graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins and Walden Universities and earned an MSPH after

serving as a visiting scholar in the vaccine research lab at Mayo Clinic. She serves as a reviewer for three journals and the

American Public Health Association. Cori is an IAHCSMM member, and her research is cited in CDC, Joint Commission,

and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines.

Dissecting the Outbreaks of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms Due to Contaminated GI Endoscopes

Speakers: Dr. Michele Alfa 1 Hour

There have been outbreaks of multi-drug-resistant organisms, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae, that were related to improper reprocessing of flexible endoscopes. Several such outbreaks have been reported throughout the world. Of particular concern is the recent US report of an outbreak of the New Delhi Metallo beta-lactamase strain of E.coli that was associated with contaminated duodenoscopes. This presentation will address three recent clinical outbreaks in the US and review the implications of multi-drug-resistant organisms being transferred into a patient’s GI tract (i.e. colonization versus infection). In particular, the published clinical and academic research linking biofilm formation with failure of high-level disinfection will be reviewed. Actions healthcare providers can take to reduce the risk of infection transmission due to contaminated GI endoscopes will also be summarized.


• Describe the perils of hidden multidrug-resistant organisms on flexible endoscopes. • Explain circumstances leading to patient exposure to contaminated endoscopes. • Discuss methods used to determine that contamination persisted on gastrointestinal endoscopes even when

technicians reprocessed them in accordance with guidelines. • Understand new guidance related to monitoring the effectiveness of endoscope reprocessing. • Identify strategies for assessing risk and improving the effectiveness of reprocessing in real-world settings.

Dr. Michele Alfa: Dr. Michelle J. Alfa is a professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba and in addition, she is a Principal Investigator at the St. Boniface Research Centre. She has worked for the past 25 years as a Ph.D. certified Clinical Microbiologist involved with diagnostic microbiology, teaching, and research in the area of hospital-acquired infections.

Introduction to “Reprocessing Medical Devices in Health Care Settings: Validation Methods and Labeling: Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff” Speakers: Steve Turtil 1 Hour

This program will describe the FDA Guidance document. Expanded and updated guidance on topics including the device design, labeling, and cleaning validation recommendations will be presented, as well as the applicability of each of these to reprocessing practices in health care settings. Learning Objectives:

Discuss the Regulatory history of the Guidance document.

Review the Development process of the Guidance document.

Explain the document content as it relates to: o What’s new and improved o Human Factors o Spaulding Classification modified o Guidance on Validation

Steven Turtil: Steven Turtil holds a Bachelors and Masters of Science, with studies in cellular and molecular development biology, from the George Washington University. He joined the Center for Devices and Radiological Health in 1996, and became a Microbiology Reviewer for the Division of Cardiovascular Devices.

Mr. Turtil began working with the Infection Control Devices Branch in November 2000, and played a leadership role in the review of reprocessing single use devices as established by the 2002 Medical Device User Fee Modernization Act. He currently review industrial sterilization and packaging validation, and reusable device reprocessing methods, for CDRH. Mr. Turtil primarily works with the Division of Orthopedic Devices, is a contributing reviewer for multiple product areas, and leads monthly CDRH Sterility Interest Group meetings.

Zen and the Art of Low Temperature Sterilization

Speakers: Larry Talapa

1 Hour

Low-temperature sterilization in healthcare began almost 60 years ago. During the last 25 years, new low-temperature sterilization technologies have emerged on the market. Advantages and disadvantages exist for all low-temperature sterilization technologies, and Talapa will outline these during this session and demonstrate provide examples on how to “Zen” the use of low-temperature sterilization. Utilization studies from US healthcare facilities will be explored, and CS professionals will receive information to help them take advantage of cost savings, efficiency and effectiveness in their CS departments. Learning Objectives:

• Outline a brief history of Low Temperature sterilization in the Healthcare industry. • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used low temperature sterilization technologies. • Identify opportunities for cost savings, department wide efficiency and effectiveness through optimized low

temperature sterilizer utilization. • Analyze sterilizer utilization studies from U.S. Healthcare facilities.

Larry Talapa: Larry Talapa has over 20 years of experience in the area of microbiology and sterilization and is currently a Technical Service Specialist in 3M’s Infection Prevention Division. Larry has extensive experience as a Sterilization Engineer, responsible for the development, validation and control of ethylene oxide (EO), steam, radiation, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sterilization processes. Larry has experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer and is a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) through the American Society of Quality. Larry is a voting member of several AAMI working groups and is also a member of MHCSMA (Minnesota Healthcare Central Service Members Association) and IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management).

AAMI Update

Speakers: Susan Klacik

1 Hour

Success in CS largely hinges on staff's understanding of and access to the latest industry standards and recommended practices. Session attendees will learn about the latest revisions to the AAMI recommended practices for steam sterilization and use of chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants. Learning Objectives:

• Identify new AAMI documents that have been released since the last IAHCSMM conference. • Discuss the major changes to AAMI documents. • Identify recent FDA regulations that affect CSS.

Susan Klacik: Susan is the IAHCSMM Representative to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), from 1997 to present. The Central Sterile Services Manager at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, Ohio with over 30 years’ experience in CSSD. A CRCST since 1980 and an instructor since 1986. Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She is an international speaker on CSS topics and an author of numerous articles on CSS topics. A contributing author to the CRCST Technical Manual, author of the Communiqué column “Inside Washington” and an international speaker on CSS topics.

How to Hit a Curveball – Dealing with Unforeseen and Unexpected Events in Sterile

Processing

Speakers: Mark Duro

1 Hour

Adverse events can unexpectedly occur in sterile processing departments today, and it’s important that those working in these departments know how to manage, adjust and resolve these events as they occur. Challenges associated with temperature and humidity spikes, steam, tap water, reverse osmosis water, air, and electrical loss will all be discussed. Real-life examples of events that have occurred in facilities, such as water main breaks, facility utility failures, flooding and unexpected instrument reprocessing demands (either due to failed loaner policy, natural disasters or terrorist attacks, such as the Boston Bombings and 9/11 attacks) will be addressed, along with the ways facilities identified, managed and resolved these events. Attendees will also learn how to prepare for unexpected adverse events in the future. Learning Objectives:

• Identify unusual adverse effects that can occur in sterile processing. • Discuss how to use current recommendations to effectively manage and return to "normal" operating

conditions. • Discuss how to prepare for the unexpected and how sterile processing have dealt with the unexpected. • Learn how other facilities disasters can better prepare others for the future.

Mark Duro: Mark is the current Director of sterile Processing Operations of the New England Baptist Hospital Central Sterile Processing department. New England Baptist Hospital is a leader in orthopedics and is the official hospital of the Boston Celtics. Mark has been in the sterile processing management profession for the past twenty years and is also the current Vice President of the Massachusetts Chapter of Central Services professionals. Mark has also been a member of IAHCSMM since 1993 and has been the Chair person for IAHCSMM’s orthopedic council for the past 4 years. In 2011 Mark was awarded fellowship status within IAHCSMM. Mark has also been IAHCSMM approved instructor for the past 6 years. Mark has also been part of the AAMI ST79 working group and is a voting member. In 2012 in Albuquerque Mark was awarded the educator of the year award by IAHCSMM. Mark has been on the AORN news advisory group since 2012 and is also on the newly formed AAMI ST79 advisory council.

Monday, May 4, 2015 General and Concurrent Sessions

High Level Disinfection and Sterilization: Current Issues and New Technologies

Speakers: Dr. William Rutala

1 Hour

In 2010 there were approximately 51,000,000 inpatient surgical procedures (and an even larger number of invasive medical procedures) performed in the US. There are about 11 million gastrointestinal endoscopies per year, for example, and each of these procedures involves contact by a medical device or surgical instrument with a patient’s sterile tissue or mucous membranes. The introduction of pathogenic microbes, which can lead to infection, poses a major risk for all these procedures. This session will address how failure to properly high-level disinfect or sterilize equipment may lead to infection transmission via contaminated instruments and devices. Learning Objectives:

Discuss two new recommendations/practices/technologies associated with high-level disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities.

Identify at least one new change related to reprocessing critical instruments/devices.

Identify at least two new changes related to reprocessing semicritical-patient care instruments/devices. Dr. William Rutala: Dr. Bill Rutala is a Professor for the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, and serves as the Director of Hospital Epidemiology, Occupational Health and Safety Program at the University of North Carolina Health Care System. He is also Director and co-founder of the Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology at the UNC School of Medicine and a retired Colonel with the U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Rutala is certified in infection control. He is an advisor to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (a former member of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee [HICPAC], 1999-2003), the Food and Drug Administration (a former member of the General Hospital and Personal Use Devices Panel), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (a member of the Scientific Advisory Panel on Antimicrobial Research Strategies for Disinfectants) and the Federal Trade Commission. Dr. Rutala is a member of various committees on the local, state, national and international level as well as several professional societies including the American Society for Microbiology, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America. He serves on the editorial board of the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. He has more than 525 publications (peer-review articles, books, book chapters, abstracts) in the fields of infection prevention, epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections, disinfection and sterilization to include several guidelines (e.g., CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities). Dr. Rutala has also been an invited lecturer at over 300 state, national and international conferences (in over 40 states and 25 countries) and has testified twice before the U.S. Congress. Dr. Rutala earned his Bachelor of Science degree in science from Rutgers University, his master's degree in microbiology from the University of Tennessee and both his master's in public health and doctorate in microbiology from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health.

The Science of Steam Sterilization

Speakers: John Nies

1 Hour

You’ve loaded your steam sterilizer and pressed the “START” button. What happens, in the next hour or so, inside that

sterilizer to ensure sterility? Nies will explore this question from a science-based perspective and delve into some of the

challenges associated with steam sterilization. Why air removal is critical (and how it occurs), steam quality and the

characteristics of steam necessary to do its job inside the chamber will all be addressed and remind CS professionals that

steam sterilization involves much more than just boiled water.


Explain the importance of air removal to the sterilization process.

Identify the characteristics of steam critical to the sterilization process.

Discuss the importance of steam quality and its relationship the success or failure of the steam sterilization process.

John Nies: As a degreed engineer, graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate NY, I have spent over 20

years in the development and marketing of medical devices, including patient monitors, iontophoretic drug delivery,

intra-aortic balloon pumps, OR lights, ceiling booms and SDP capital equipment. My knack for explaining and teaching

technical information to non-technical people led me to add sales training and CEU education to my responsibilities. I

have been presenting CEU’s to certified SPD personnel for the past 7 years.

Clean Collaboration: Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together on Difficult to Clean Medical

Devices

Speakers: Jahan Aziz

1 Hour

This presentation will provide results of independent studies that address challenges that medical devices pose to Sterile

Processing Areas on a daily basis, and highlight problem areas that staff must avoid to ensure that their medical devices

are safe to handle and ready for the next phase of the reprocessing cycle. Steps needed to ensure that all medical

devices are clean and that staff has followed the manufacturers’ IFUs for proper decontamination and cleaning will also

be discussed. Attendees will learn how various manufacturers have worked collaboratively to make medical devices

easier and faster to thoroughly decontaminate and clean automatically, every time, regardless of their level of

contamination.

Two increasingly important questions will also be explored: are some device so difficult to clean that they need to be

redesigned? And are user facilities doing everything they can to properly clean all of their surgical instruments?


• Define difficult to clean medical devices and list examples. • Review data on the cleanability of these difficult to clean medical devices. • Learn about the various methods you can employ in your SPA to comply, enhance and reduce your chance of

medical devices not being cleaned properly.

Jahan Aziz: Paramount throughout my career has been the identification, reporting, and correction of functional issues and design insufficiencies of biomedical devices. More than any other classification of devices, those for healthcare applications must be completely reliable and meet the highest specifications. This is not just for the medical professional applying the device in daily work, but more importantly for the patient relying on the device for very real and practical help, often at a time when the patient is in a compromised and vulnerable state of health. The research in which I am currently involved is a natural progression of this life's work. That reprocessed medical devices are brought to the highest possible level of cleanliness and sterilization cannot be assumption, or true most of the time; it must be proven and true all of the time. I have spent the past several years on the issue of validating and optimizing surgical instrument reprocessing methods, which has provided me with a unique skill set and knowledge base for entering into the CHRT fellowship with the necessary background and experience to provide a unique perspective. I have worked to bring this issue to light through presentations I was invited to make to officials at the FDA and industry professionals at symposia of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM), and the FDA's MedSun reporting group. As I have spent my career investigating and reporting

problems with medical devices, my focus has always been on fixing and correcting, then moving on to the next. I have written numberless safety reports, internal reports, presentations, and hospital policies, and have regularly studied current literature on safety in the design and use of medical devices. Recently I have begun to turn my attention to publishing the findings from my work, better to reach those in industries and in regulatory agencies that can effect positive changes in medical device design, maintenance, and control. Compliance with AAMI 6060-2-4 and FDA proposal for PMA on AED are part of my current responsibilities as Director of Regulatory Affairs for Hearsync Inc.

Tools of the Trade for the Sterile Processing Area

Speakers: Stephen Kovach 1 Hour

Do you have the right tools to do your job correctly? Have you ever wondered why you need cotton-tip applicators or alcohol at your work station? And do you really need that magnifying glass? Find out why each of these “Tools of Your Trade” (and more) in your Sterile Processing Area are essential for getting the job done properly -- and how the absence of such tools can put staff and patients at risk.


• Understand the role IFU plays is “tool” selection. • Review the role standards and guidelines play in “tools” selection. • Learn why and how to use specific “tools of your trade” in your Sterile Processing Area to help you get to and

maintain “Best Practice “.

Stephen Kovach: Stephen is active both on the state and national levels of various organizations having held many positions. He was the Educational chair for AORN Specialty Assembly for SP/MM (2006-2010). He is a voting member on various AAMI committees. Stephen was named by Hospital Purchasing News as one of the 30 most influential people within the field of Central Service. Stephen is very proud to say I have “WORKED IN THE HEART OF THE HOSPITAL CENTRAL SERVICE".

Everyday LEAN Thinking: What Six Sigma Can Do For You

Speakers: Damien Berg

1 Hour

Session attendees will gain a basic understanding of LEAN/Six Sigma and process improvement strategies, and learn about some of the tools that can be used in their departments to help initiate effective process improvement projects and practices. Some high-level objectives will highlight how easy it to find waste within healthcare (and, specifically, in CS), and show attendees how common sense and a commitment to process improvement can go a long way toward overcoming obstacles, streamlining efficiencies, and promoting positive change that impacts customer service, quality and patient safety.


• Think about your department as a collection of processes, with inputs that determine the output. • Use the concept of a LEAN and Six Sigma to evaluate the capability of a process or organization. • Understand and apply the five-step DMAIC. • Define the voice of the customer, develop. • Understand ‘Lean thinking’, the core components and benefits of a service improvement framework. • Learn methods and strategies that can be applied to your own service delivery framework. • Identify areas of waste in your own workplace and leave with a ‘tool belt’ of resources to optimize the services

you provide .

Damien Berg: Damien has worked over 22 years in the medical industry with his career covering a multitude of specialties, (EMT, Combat Medic, Surgical Tech, Sports Therapist, and Sterile Processing Tech). He now dedicates his time to the sterile processing industry, not only is he an active member of IAHCSMM, he serves on the Legislative affairs committee representing several states with their efforts in state certification. He serves as an AAMI voting board member on ST79 (hospital steam sterilization) and Co-Chair on ST77 (rigid containers) and recently appointed as Co-Chair for ST90 (Quality Systems) .

Tuesday, May 5, 2015 General and Concurrent Sessions

Use the Force to Pass Certification Legislation

Speakers: Josephine Colacci

1 Hour

There is a great disturbance in the Force, as if thousands of IAHCSMM members suddenly cried out in terror because their state does not yet have certification legislation. Do not fear. Learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi policy knight. This legislative session will illustrate what attendees in states without certification legislation can do in preparation for introducing legislation. Also, this session will explain current legislative activities in various states and educate attendees on IAHCSMM’s quest to require certification of CS technicians. Attendees will also discover how easy it is to send letters to their elected officials regarding the certification issue and the CS profession. Learning Objectives:

Illustrate what attendees in states without certification legislation can do in preparation for introducing

legislation.

Explain the status of certification legislation introduced in the states.

Discuss International Central Service Week proclamation campaign.

Discuss Legislative Action Alerts.

Josephine Colacci: Josephine Colacci has been the Government Affairs Director for IAHCSMM since 2010. Prior to IAHCSMM, she spent two years as the Government Affairs Manager for the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). For four years, she was a healthcare lobbyist in the Colorado General Assembly. She has been a volunteer for Colorado Legal Services for ten years. Since 2011, the Mayor of Golden, CO appointed her to serve as a Commissioner on the Golden Urban Renewal Authority. She is a licensed attorney in Colorado.

Ten Reprocessing Issues and Solutions

Speakers: Chuck Hughes and Bob Marrs

1 Hour

CS professionals regularly face a myriad of reprocessing-related challenges and obstacles. The good news is there are some easy-to-apply solutions to these problems. This session will address some of the more common reprocessing issues facing sterile processing professionals around the world, and offer practical solutions that can be attained through compliance with best practices. Learning Objectives:

• Identify ten issues facing many sterile processing departments on a daily basis. • Discuss practical ways to solve these issues utilizing best practices, as referenced by national standards, and

manufacturer's IFUs. Chuck Hughes: Certified as a Health Education teacher, Chuck has worked over 25 years in Regulatory Affairs, Research & Development, Marketing, Microbiology and Sterilization Training. He is a corporate member AORN, AST, IAHCSMM, SGNA and numerous other organizations, including AAMI and CSA where he contributes to sterilization standards. A popular speaker at regional, national and international healthcare conferences, Chuck has visited thousands of healthcare facilities during his career providing consulting services that include fee based and complimentary audits of instrument reprocessing areas. Bob Marrs: Bob Marrs is the Director of Consulting Services & Field Operations with Aesculap. Previously, Bob worked in the Perioperative setting for 2I years in various roles from Certified Surgical Technologist to CSD Technician, Case Cart Coordinator, Sterile Processing Manager and Director. Bob maintains certifications as a CRCST, CIS, CHL and is an

Instructor for IAHCSMM. He served as the President of the Texas State Association of Central Service Professionals for 6 years and an IAHCSMM Executive Board member. Bob holds a Bachelors Degree in Professional Communications from Xavier University in Cincinnati Ohio. He travels throughout the US and the world speaking about various CSSD and Infection Control issues. Bob has a passion for excellence in Sterile Processing and believes that certification through education provides the foundation needed for superior patient care.

Acute & Ambulatory Surgery: Preparing Sterile Processing for Audits by Infection

Preventionists

Speakers: Wava Truscott

1 Hour

“What do you mean the Infection Preventionist is doing an audit tomorrow? They never visit our department!” One

thing is certain: the times they are a changin’. With media coverage of serious post-surgical infections, failed FDA, TJC

and AAAHC audits, Infection Practitioners have been asked to step up to play a more active role in auditing and

partnering with SPDs to ensure the safety of surgical patients. Ambulatory Surgical Centers are taking on increasingly

complex procedures, often with little extra training for Sterile Processing staff. Hospitals are dealing with an increasing

percentage of vulnerable patients as our nation ages, obesity looms, and diabetes escalates -- all increasing the risk for

infection. At the same time, budgets are tighter due to Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Programs, denied

reimbursements due to Readmissions Reduction Program and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Never

Events for a growing number of infection categories. Further compounding matters, the “bugs” causing the infections

are becoming more resistant to the drugs and antibiotics used for patient treatment. This session is highlight audit

findings, new IP recommendations, and recent studies, and help SPDs prepare for IP audits and build more productive

partnerships with the IP team.


• Describe the current status of surgical infections and vulnerable patients. • Identify what areas are hot spots for inspections. • Summarize current studies highlighting areas of SPD vulnerability.

Wava Truscott: Wava Truscott is Director, Medical Sciences & Clinical Education for Halyard Health. Her Comparative Pathology doctorate is from the University of California School of medicine emphasizing microbiology, immunology and pathology; Her MBA from the University of La Verne; and Bachelors from Brigham Young University. Wava held positions in medical device and apparel testing laboratories, test development and standards setting agencies, quality and regulatory compliance departments, research, teaching and writing. She has authored over 90 articles, co-authored the microbiology section of the AAMI Sterilization Recommended Practices, and been a prominent researcher and advocate addressing latex protein and medical glove powder reduction.

UDI Impacts for Healthcare Providers

Speakers: Eugene Ricupito

1 Hour

This presentation will provide attendees with in-depth details on anticipated systematic changes that will be encountered by healthcare providers regarding the use and implementation of Unique Device Identifiers. Discussions will include the historical background, key intended benefits and implementation challenges that hospitals and, more specifically, CS departments, will potentially face when developing and implementing strategies for the use of UDI. Learning Objectives:

• Define the key intended benefits of UDI. • Discuss limitations of UDI and GUDID. • Review anticipated process and data capture changes within the hospital environment. • Identify pathways to engage hospital executive support and drive ROI for implementation. • Identify types of projects healthcare organizations will need to undertake to achieve benefits realization.

Eugene Ricupito: With over twenty years of experience in the Healthcare industry, Gene has held positions at top performing regional and academic medical centers, serving in Sterile Processing, surgical services, IT systems administration, and has led numerous transformation and implementation initiatives for healthcare providers, as a management professional, as an executive in the software industry, and as a professional services consultant.

A Scientific Approach to Quality Assurance Testing

Speakers: Donna Swenson

1 Hour

The presentation will discuss the use of a science-based approach to product quality assurance (PQA) testing, and how verification and validation concepts can be applied to healthcare PQA testing. Included will be a discussion of how to develop product families, the product attributes that should be considered as part of product family development, and how to identify a master product for each family. The minimum number of cycles that should be included as part of the testing will also be explained, along with an explanation of why this number is necessary. PQA testing is meant to demonstrate that the process used to sterilize a product at a particular facility in a particular sterilizer is working as expected, and that a minimum SAL of 10-3 is achieved. Dry time and cool down time is also included as part of the PQA testing. Using a scientific approach to PQA testing should result in a facility having a high level of confidence that the product sterilized by the facility in a particular sterilizer will consistently achieve the requirements needed to produce a sterile product. Learning Objectives:

• Identify product attributes that should be considered when developing product families and how to place each product being sterilized into a family.

• Identify processing categories to be used for different product families. • Identify product that will be designated the master product. • Understand the reason for testing and why a particular number of tests are needed. • Understand how verification and validation principles apply to PQA testing.

Donna Swenson: Donna Swenson has over 30 years of experience in the sterilization of medical devices. She has worked with both healthcare providers and the medical device industry. For several years, Swenson has been the lead USA delegate to the ISO committee on Moist Heat Sterilization of Medical Devices. She is a member of several AAMI committees and is currently the co-chair of the Industrial Moist Heat Sterilization of Medical Devices and Protective Barriers committees. Swenson is also a member of the Benchmarking Committee, co-sponsored by AAMI and IAHCSMM and is a member of the Certification Council of IAHCSMM.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 General and Concurrent Sessions

The Challenge of Prion Decontamination

Speakers: Dr. Gerald McDonnell

1 Hour

Prions are protein-based transmissible agents recognized as the causative agents in a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These prion diseases, one example of which includes Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), are considered rare; however, they present unique risks to neurosurgery and may also be a concern to a wider range of surgical and medical procedures, as they are transmissible in tissues and reusable device surfaces, and are highly resistant to decontamination. Understanding these diseases is important in the development of facility policies to reduce patient and staff risks. CS professionals will learn more about prion diseases, including what they are and how they may be transferred, and the importance of safe handling and management of reusable medical/surgical devices used on suspected TSE patients. Learning Objectives:

• Review introductory information about prions and prion diseases. • Explain the risks associated with prion decontamination. • Review what steps a facility should take to review the risk of prion transmission on reusable devices.

Dr. Gerald McDonnell: Dr. Gerald McDonnell is a Vice President, Research and Clinical Services for STERIS Corporation, a provider of infection prevention, contamination control and surgical support products and services. He has a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Medical Laboratory Sciences and a Ph.D. in Microbiology. His responsibilities include product development, project management, regulatory & quality affairs, innovation, research, clinical support and education. He is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences with over 160 publications and patents in the area, including a new book published in 2012 entitled ‘A Practical Guide to Decontamination’. He is an assistant editor for the Journal of Hospital Infection and a reviewer for a number of other leading journals on infection prevention/control topics. Dr. McDonnell is a member of national and international working groups, including AAMI, ISO and EN committees, for standard and guideline development on areas including sterilization, disinfection, cleaning and aseptic processing. He is the current convener of CEN TC 102 WG8 and a visiting professor at Tokyo Healthcare University.

The Joint Commission and Central Service

Gail VanZyl, RN, BSN, MJP

1 Hour

Surveys are a routine part of today's healthcare. Every Central Service department strives to implement and maintain

standards that support quality health care. This presentation will examine components of a Joint Commission survey

and discuss strategies to improve survey readiness.


Identify key components of The Joint Commission survey team and tracer methodology processes.

Describe strategies for risk assessment and process improvement.

Identify specific examples observed during surveys. Gail VanZyl: Gail VanZyl is currently a resident of Texas. Ms. VanZyl surveys the standards in the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual/Accreditation Manual for Hospitals. Ms. VanZyl is presently a surveyor in the Hospital Accreditation Program. Prior to joining The Joint Commission, Ms. VanZyl was the Chief Nurse Executive and Executive Vice President of Quality and Safety at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas. She has been in leadership positions in Quality and Patient Safety for over 20 years, including Infection Prevention, Emergency Preparedness, Medical Staff

Credentialing and Privileging, Peer Review, Regulatory Compliance, and Risk Management. In addition to her Quality and Patient Safety roles, Ms. VanZyl served as the first Chief Nurse Executive at Scott & White Healthcare, leading over 6000 clinical staff in multiple care settings including primary and specialty care clinics, acute care, post acute care, long term acute care, critical access, and home care/hospice. Clinical experience includes Emergency, Critical Care, Trauma, and Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Ms. VanZyl has achieved certification in Critical Care (CCRN), in Nursing Administration (CNAd), and in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). Ms. VanZyl was selected for the State of Texas Governor’s Advisory Panel on Preventing Harm, a committee charged with the implementation of preventable harm occurrences public reporting and supporting application of evidence based safety practices in the State of Texas. Ms. VanZyl earned her Masters of Juris Prudence in Health Law from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago, IL and her BSN from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR.

Closing Keynote Speaker

Speakers: Diane Sieg

1 Hour

As a former Emergency Department nurse, Diane Sieg saw time and again how stress negatively impacted the health of the patients she treated. She also saw the same in her fellow healthcare professionals -- individuals who gave their all, but then saw morale, performance and productivity suffer because they became overwhelmed and lacked the skills to properly manage stress and maintain a healthy balance in their personal and professional lives. Today, Sieg is a professional speaker, author, coach, and yoga instructor who, through her Your Mindful Year wellness system, teaches people to train their brains to become more focused, clear, creative, and connected. She has presented to thousands of individuals and organizations across the country, offering a variety of programs on stress management, life balance and mindfulness -- key elements that not only make us happier and healthier, but can promote positive changes in the workplace, such as reduced staff turnover and sick days, improved staff performance and productivity, and more energized, focused employees. Sieg is also the author of Stop Living Life like an Emergency! Rescue Strategies for the Overworked and Overwhelmed, and 30 Days to Grace: The Practice Guide to Achieve Your Ultimate Goals. With her high energy and heartfelt stories, Sieg will show IAHCSMM Annual Conference attendees how to take charge of their lives and take daily action to reclaim a healthy life balance.

Documents

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Hands-On Labs and Workshops