Case Studies

Improve Operating Room Starts by Reducing Instrument and Equipment Related Delays

UAB Hospital:
Central Sterile Partnership: Improving Processes by Collaboration

Background
University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (UAB) is a 900-bed, 885,000 square foot facility, which includes 37 operating suites, 2 procedure rooms, a level 1 trauma center with a 38,000 square foot emergency department, and 7 ICUs including trauma, burn, surgical, neuroscience, and cardiovascular units.

Key Challenges
A new wing doubled the number of primary operating rooms and central sterile work space, but the overall case load didn’t increase.

Strategy
Implement IMS Central Sterile Process Managementsm to address these issues.

Results
Both facility personnel and IMS Sterile Processing Management personnel synergized their efforts and expertise to improve processes, increase operational efficiency, and reduce repair costs. Total case volume increase of 14.4%. 50% decrease in central sterile staff turnover.

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