We are currently reviewing our processes related to the delivery of patient equipment and code cart management. We are seeking input from other organizations on how you manage your processes as well as the reporting structure of the services provided.
Patient Equipment: PCA pumps, Blood Warmer, Cooling Blankets, Feeding Pump, IV Pump, K-pads, SCDs.
We utilize an RFID tracking system which identifies when the equipment is in use, needs to be cleaned, ready for use and for par management. The Central Sterile Processing (CSP) department picks up the equipment and cleans it accordingly. CSP is part of Surgical Services but is physically separate from the Surgical Services sterilization department. Materials Management staff picks up the clean equipment and deliver to the various nursing and ancillary units.
- How do you manage these types of equipment?
- Is it centralized (pickup/clean/delivery)? If so, what division does this department report to?
- Do you utilize an automated tracking system? If so what software do you use?
Procedure Carts: Code, Line, Chest Tube, Urology box, Difficult Airway cart ICU, Cytotoxic Carts
The carts noted above with the exception of Cytotoxic are managed by our Central Sterile Processing (CSP) department. Code carts are managed on an exchange basis. CSP staff receives notification of use or upcoming cart expiration and will immediately replace the cart for the user location. CSP staff manages the restocking of these carts and all exchanges.
Cytotoxic Carts-CSP picks up ‘used’ cytotoxic carts from the Nursing units and cleans/restocks. These carts are then delivered by Materials Management.
CSP also manages the ‘on call’ delivery and retrieval of the other specialty carts.
- How do you manage your code carts in your organization?
- Is it centralized (pickup/restock/delivery)? If so, who does this department report to?
- How do you manage your other specialty carts?
Thank you,
Yvonne
