In a conscious and deliberate effort to curb the persistent issue of instrument contamination in perioperative care, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) highlighted a new approach at its 2026 Global Surgical Conference & Expo. The report, titled ‘Decreasing Instrument Contamination Rates Through SPD Partnership and Collaboration,’ was authored by healthcare professionals Jade O. Boyd and Lily Cantu from the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). The duo describes the adoption of a method centered on a partnership with Sterile Processing Department (SPD) that significantly lowers contamination rates and subsequently increases positive results.
In terms of risk, contaminated instruments not only pose an imminent threat to patient safety but also disrupt the regular operations in the operating room (OR). This situation results in delays and cancellations of surgical procedures which has a ripple effect on other aspects such as efficiency in the OR, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and overall operational productivity especially in high-demand environments. Rather than succumbing to these challenges, the NGHS team took on an innovative approach to move beyond the historically siloed units of the SPD and OR teams.
Through intentional collaboration between these teams, they were able to bridge communication gaps, understand expectations better, and hold each other accountable. The collaboration of these seemingly separate units was paramount to the identification and addressing of contamination sources, inconsistencies, and the standardization of processes. Active involvement of the SPD leadership was instrumental in this initiative, as they were brought on board early on, reflecting a deeper understanding of instrument preparation and its use in the OR.
Notable improvements were observed after the alignment of expectations, reinforcement of best practices, and adjustment of workflows in both departments. As a result, the effects on patient safety and work cleanliness were profound. Optimized decontamination rates led to smoother surgical workflows which translated into better use of resources, improved patient flow, reduced wait times, and enhanced confidence in their care for patients. For clinicians, the initiative minimized frustrations, and provided an environment for more efficient practice.
Drawing from this initiative, there are significant takeaways for infection prevention professionals. The integration of surveillance, policy development, solid relationships and operational level communication are fundamental. The expertise of SPD professionals in sterilization, cleaning, and disinfection are crucial for curbing contamination before instruments get to OR. By involving SPD teams as equal stakeholders in the infection prevention programs, implementation can be strengthened, outcomes improved and risks addressed more effectively.
To sum it up, the NGHS initiative is a practical model for any health system grappling with similar challenges. Prioritizing partnership, accountability, and communication can address not only clinical but also operational risks associated with instrument contamination. However, the takeaway is not the initiative, but the underlying principle that significant improvements are achieved not in isolation, but through a shared commitment, collaboration, and alignment towards patient safety.