Surgical Solutions is proud to have collaborated with Becker’s Hospital Review on an article...
In honor of International Infection Prevention Week (October 19–25, 2025)
Behind every safe surgery is a team dedicated to preventing infections before they ever reach the operating room. From cleaning and decontamination to sterilization and storage, the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) plays a critical role in protecting patients and ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulatory standards.
At Surgical Solutions, we see infection prevention not as a task, but as a shared responsibility across the surgical ecosystem. By optimizing sterile processing, hospitals can significantly reduce infection risks, strengthen compliance, and improve patient outcomes.
Sterile processing supports each part of this year’s International Infection Prevention Week theme. Here are 4 Ways to reduce infection risks, and it's the 2025 theme:
Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention:
- Unite
- Protect
- Prevent
- Prevail
Unite: Collaboration Between SPD and OR Strengthens Compliance
Infection prevention depends on teamwork. High-performing hospitals bring the SPD and OR together as one unified surgical team.
- Establish shared goals and performance metrics between departments.
- Use feedback loops to identify issues and streamline workflows.
- Hold daily huddles and joint training sessions to encourage communication.
When teams unite, communication improves, compliance increases, and patient safety follows.
This is how we UNITE.
Protect: Following IFUs for Cleaning and Sterilization
Each instrument and device has an Instruction for Use (IFU) outlining exact cleaning and sterilization requirements. Adhering to these instructions protects both patients and staff from infection risks.
- Verify technicians use the correct detergents, times, and sterilization parameters.
- Keep IFUs accessible and current for all instruments and devices.
- Conduct regular audits to confirm IFUs are being followed precisely.
By protecting the process, SPD professionals protect every patient outcome.
This is how we PROTECT.
Prevent: Standardized Processes Eliminate Cross-Contamination
Variation leads to errors. Standardizing cleaning, inspection, and sterilization procedures ensures every instrument meets the same standard of safety every time.
- Align with AORN and AAMI ST79 guidelines to maintain consistency.
- Use checklists, audits, and digital logs to track each step in real time.
- Document traceability to identify and correct recurring issues.
Standardization builds a reliable foundation for safety and infection control.
This is how we PREVENT.
Prevail: Continuous Improvement Sustains Long-Term Safety
Sterile processing never stands still. IFUs evolve, devices change, and standards tighten. Hospitals that embrace continuous improvement remain ready for these challenges.
- Conduct regular gap analyses and process reviews.
- Perform weekly and monthly audits to verify compliance.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.
- Partner with experts such as Surgical Solutions to scale best practices and strengthen infection prevention culture.
By investing in improvement, hospitals build resilient teams and safer systems.
This is how we PREVAIL.
Compliance isn’t a checklist. It’s a culture of continuous improvement.
Continuous learning and collaboration ensure that patient safety remains the top priority every day.
What Our Clients Say: Infection Prevention in Action
One of our partner hospitals in Kentucky summarized it best:
“Their professionalism and day-to-day presence strengthened our processes and culture of safety, contributing to zero findings during our recent TJC Triennial Survey.”
— Associate Director of Nursing, Kentucky Health System
Their success story reinforces what we see across the country when we are integrated with existing SPD teams: when SPD operations are supported, infection risk decreases, and compliance strengthens.
Improved sterile processing is more than operational excellence; it’s infection prevention in action.
By uniting teams, protecting patients, preventing risk, and prevailing through continuous improvement, hospitals can align perfectly with the IIPW 2025 theme: “Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention.”
At Surgical Solutions, we’re proud to partner with hospitals nationwide to elevate sterile processing, empower teams, and strengthen compliance across every level of surgical care.
Learn more about our SPD and OR partnership programs at www.surgical-solutions.com
Ready to learn from the experts? Sign up for our next webinar: "How to Bridge the Gap Between the OR & SPD"
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