How does lifelong learning in sterile processing affect patient care?

Editor’s Note. Developing and sustaining competent sterile processing staff is critical for patient safety, yet there is a dearth of formal educational programs for this function. Whitman Partners, a Portland, Oregon-based specialty search firm dedicated to placing directors of surgical services at hospitals and surgery centers nationwide, asked former surgical services director David L. Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR, MAJ, ANC (retired) for his views on what can be done to promote ongoing learning by sterile processing staff. Taylor is an independent hospital and ambulatory surgical center consultant as well as principal of Resolute Advisory Group, LLC, San Antonio, Texas.