The 2025 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Annual Conference & Expo played host to an insightful presentation delivered by Cheron Rojo, a prominent figure in the field of clinical education who currently functions as the senior manager of clinical education for Healthmark, a Getinge company. In his presentation, Rojo highlighted the urgent requirement to bridge the gaps in sterile processing education, particularly in relation to the handling of complex medical instruments such as shaver handpieces. His insights into the matter were derived from a year-long study, conducted from May 2023 to May 2024.
The study was primarily focused on examining the reprocessing of shaver handpieces, with findings pointing towards significant shortcomings in education, inspection processes, and instrumentation use. One of the primary issues underscored by Rojo was the evident disconnect between manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFUs) and their implementation in real-world environments. The issue of facilities using only one or two specialized brushes while the IFU may specify the utilization of multiple, for instance, was a point of major concern.
Tools such as borescopes and protein detection systems play a pivotal role in verifying the cleanliness of the internal parts of the devices and differentiating between protein residue and mechanical damage. However, it is worrying that many sterilization professionals remain untrained on how to use these devices and understand the results.
Rojo further emphasized the importance of learning from the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database maintained by the US Food and Drug Administration, which documents adverse events and near misses associated with medical devices. The analysis conducted by Rojo identified various incidents stemming from inadequate cleaning of complex instruments. Rojo used this platform to advocate for a stronger partnership between sterile processing professionals and medical device manufacturers in the development of IFUs.
Rojo concluded his presentation by stressing the fundamental role of peer-based networking and education in improving sterile processing education. His key message was that fostering robust collaborative networks amongst professionals can lead us towards enhanced patient safety. The HSPA conference, therefore, emerges as an avenue for professionals to discuss these issues, brainstorm solutions, and work collaboratively to address the pressing challenges in sterile processing.