In brief

• A top pediatric hospital implemented a modern instrument tracking software for consistent instrument nomenclature and cleaner data analytics. 
• The transition helped reduce staff stress, enhanced departmental communication and optimized inventory management.
   

For years at one nationally recognized pediatric hospital, staff faced a significant challenge. Their instrument tracking processes were cumbersome. It left everyone feeling a bit lost in the sterilization and decontamination process. The jobs were getting done, but the lack of a reliable instrument-tracking method made daily tasks more laborious than they needed to be. Not having clean data also made it more difficult to pinpoint which specific workflow inefficiencies needed to be fixed to help reduce staff stress and burnout.

The Challenge of Inefficient Instrument Tracking 

One clinical manager at the hospital who oversees the daily operations of the sterile processing department (SPD) and operating room (OR) vividly recalls the challenges that taxed her staff. Instruments were hard to locate, duplicate sets were very common and an inconsistent nomenclature made searching for a specific item a nightmare, especially when standardizing across preferred vendors. 

The team was overwhelmed trying to keep up with the needs of the operating room with so many manual tasks in the process. The clinical manager shared her staff’s frustration. “The staff were very vocal. They would get a little frustrated just trying to maneuver through that part of the job every single day. So yes, it was difficult for them. I felt their pain because I'm out there with them. When they feel pain, so do I. But they still worked hard to always deliver superior care.” 

The inconsistent nomenclature was particularly problematic. Because items were labeled differently across sets and vendors, it made it difficult to find a specific instrument when it was time for surgery. At this point, the need for a solution was evident. That is when SQ.track™ Instrument Tracking Software entered the scene with a more modern approach to managing surgical inventory.

The Power of Instrument Tracking Software 

SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software stood out as a beacon of hope to this pediatric hospital. The software offered nomenclature consistency and valuable analytics. It was sound data that the staff desperately needed to boost operational efficiency across their departments. The staff and leaders were quick to see the potential. Their clinical manager recalls, “We were so happy to instantly realize the system would work for us after it went live. The OR and SPD staff love it. I love it. Everyone is feeling good about SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software.”

Benefits of Real-Time Tracking with SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software 

The SPD, OR and emergency department were among the first to express their satisfaction with SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software. The system allowed for real- time tracking and improved departmental communication, which was already making daily operations smoother. 

As the staff spent more time using the system, their engagement grew stronger. The convenience of having sterilization parameters integrated and the ability to identify missing items in real time was making a significant difference, helping to enhance safety and efficiency. They found the system to be user-friendly, which made change management much simpler than one would expect when implementing new software.

Transformative Impact on Staff and Operations 

Executive leadership was also quick to observe the positive impact of SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software. They witnessed the transformative journey from a manual, inconsistent system to a more streamlined and data-driven process that not only helped to improve efficiency but also made processes safer. SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software quickly became an integral tool to create a culture of informed, data-driven decision-making to precisely identify and address workflow inefficiencies. “Now when I want to address inefficiencies with leadership, I can present clear and tangible data to support our needs that are based in facts and not assumptions.”

A Simple Change to SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software Changed Everything 

The clinical manager’s dedication to increasing efficiencies has transformed their instrument tracking process. Insights that were once missing are now within SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software to make sure every decision made is rooted in clean data. This has positioned them to optimize their inventory, reduce unnecessary waste, enhance safety and feel confident that every procedure has the tools it needs. 

While the clinical manager had a huge role in this journey, she appreciated not having to lead change management alone. “The support we've received from Aesculap and Ascendco Health has been outstanding. The round-the-clock availability and fast response times to our queries have made the transition manageable and prevented any instances of interrupted care.” 

The experience at this national-ranking pediatric hospital can serve as a model for other healthcare facilities across the nation who are struggling with the same issues.

Contact us today to learn how SQ.track Instrument Tracking Software can optimize your hospital's instrument tracking and improve operational efficiency.