Sterile processing is a critical component in healthcare facilities that ensures the safety of patients by maintaining the sterility of medical instruments and devices. The role of sterile processing professionals is essential in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensuring the proper functionality and safety of medical instruments.

The Healthcare Sterile Processing course, provided by British Academy for Training and Development, aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and best practices in sterile processing. This program will focus on sterilization techniques, infection control, and safety standards in the healthcare environment, ensuring that participants are prepared to meet the demands of sterile processing in their respective organizations.

Who Should Attend?

• Sterile processing professionals working in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
• Healthcare workers involved in infection control and sterilization.
• Medical equipment technicians and operating room staff.
• Individuals looking to specialize or enhance their expertise in sterile processing and sterilization procedures.
• Healthcare management personnel responsible for quality control in sterilization processes.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• To understand the principles of sterilization and its importance in infection prevention.
• To provide participants with knowledge of different sterilization methods and equipment used in healthcare settings.
• To ensure participants can effectively clean, disinfect, and sterilize medical instruments and devices.
• To enhance participants' understanding of infection control policies and procedures in sterile processing areas.
• To prepare participants to meet healthcare standards and regulations concerning sterilization and infection control.

• Role and Importance of Sterile Processing
  • What is sterile processing and its significance in healthcare.
  • The connection between sterile processing and infection prevention.
  • The impact of improper sterile processing on patient safety.
• Overview of Sterilization Standards and Regulations
  • Key standards in healthcare sterilization (e.g., AAMI, CDC guidelines).
  • Regulatory bodies governing sterile processing (e.g., FDA, OSHA).
  • How compliance with standards affects patient outcomes.
• Introduction to Sterile Processing Equipment
  • Types of sterilizers and sterilization methods.
  • Basic components of sterile processing equipment.
  • How to operate and maintain sterilization machines effectively.
• Principles of Cleaning and Disinfection
  • The difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.
  • Proper cleaning techniques for medical instruments.
  • Importance of using correct disinfectants for different surfaces and materials.
• Decontamination Process
  • Steps involved in decontamination of medical instruments.
  • The role of decontamination in infection control.
  • Preventing cross-contamination during the decontamination process.
• Handling Contaminated Instruments
  • Safe handling practices for contaminated instruments.
  • Methods to reduce exposure to biohazards.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and practices.
• Steam Sterilization (Autoclaving)
  • How autoclaves work and their role in sterilization.
  • Key parameters for effective steam sterilization (temperature, pressure, time).
  • Troubleshooting common issues with autoclaving.
• Chemical Sterilization
  • Types of chemical sterilants (e.g., ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide).
  • Conditions for effective chemical sterilization.
  • Safety considerations when using chemical sterilants.
• Dry Heat and Gas Plasma Sterilization
  • Overview of dry heat sterilization techniques.
  • Gas plasma sterilization: benefits and uses in healthcare settings.
  • Comparing different sterilization methods and when to use them.
• Infection Prevention and Control in Sterile Processing
  • Basic principles of infection control within sterile processing departments.
  • The role of sterile processing in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
  • Policies and procedures for maintaining aseptic environments.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Practices
  • Correct use of PPE during sterile processing tasks.
  • Infection prevention strategies in sterile processing departments.
  • Ensuring safety during handling of infectious materials.
• Environmental Control in Sterile Processing Areas
  • Design and layout of sterile processing departments.
  • Proper cleaning and maintenance of sterile processing areas.
  • Environmental monitoring and quality control for sterile processing.
• Quality Control in Sterile Processing
  • Key quality control measures in sterile processing.
  • Monitoring sterilization cycles and verifying effectiveness.
  • Common quality control tools (e.g., biological indicators, chemical indicators).
• Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Importance of documentation in sterile processing.
  • How to properly record sterilization processes and outcomes.
  • Regulatory requirements for record keeping and traceability.
• Sterile Processing in Compliance with Healthcare Standards
  • Adhering to healthcare regulations and guidelines for sterilization.
  • Addressing non-compliance and corrective actions.
  • Continuous improvement and ongoing training in sterile processing.