New structure puts SPD staff on firmer footing

Perioperative leaders, including those in the sterile processing department (SPD), need to know when to make sweeping—not just incremental—changes to improve workflow and optimize the talents of their staff. Sometimes gains in productivity and staff satisfaction depend not only on identifying process improvements but also on placing staff in areas where they’re most likely to succeed—which can require a major overhaul. That was the case at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, in 2016. Two leaders in MGH’s SPD made substantive changes that improved production, reduced staff vacancy rates, and produced cost savings.