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Using Simulation to Design a Central Sterilization Department
Author(s) -
Lin Feng,
Lawley Mark,
Spry Charlie,
McCarthy Kelly,
CoyleRogers Patricia G.,
Yih Yuehwern
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2008.03.015
Subject(s) - staffing , sterilization (economics) , operations management , turnaround time , computer science , medical emergency , medicine , simulation , nursing , engineering , business , foreign exchange market , finance , exchange rate
A SIMULATION PROJECT was performed to assist with redesign of the surgery department of a large tertiary hospital and to help administrators make the best decisions about relocating, staffing, and equipping the central sterilization department. A SIMULATION MODEL was created to analyze department configurations, staff schedules, equipment capacities, and cart‐washing requirements. Performance measures examined include tray turnaround time, surgery‐delay rate, and work‐in‐process levels. THE ANALYSIS PROVIDES significant insight into how the proposed system will perform, allowing planning for expected patient volume increases. This work illustrates how simulation can facilitate the design of a central sterilization department and improve surgical sterilization operations. AORN J 88 (October 2008) 555–567. © AORN, Inc, 2008.