Using root cause analysis to improve the quality of loaner instrument receiving in the central sterile supply department: A retrospective study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to use root cause analysis to identify the underlying causes of defects in receiving loaner instruments and to implement an improvement plan.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 23,780 loaner instrument packages reprocessed by our central sterile supply department from January to July 2023, prior to the root cause analysis-based intervention, were classified into the control group, and 25,258 loaner instrument packages reprocessed by our central sterile supply department from January to July 2024, following the intervention, were classified into the experimental group. The overall incidence rate of defects, incidence rate of each defect, and 37 central sterile supply department staff members' satisfaction with loaner instrument reprocessing before and after intervention were compared.ResultsAmong the 23,780 packages in the control group, 409 (1.72%) exhibited receiving defects, whereas among the 25,258 packages in the experimental group, 159 (0.63%) had receiving defects. Instrument mismatch and lack of source information were identified as the primary receiving defects. Improvements to the training system, operating procedures, traceability system, and hierarchical supervision were the main contributors to the reduction in defects. The mean satisfaction score of the central sterile supply department staff improved from 89.92 to 93.03.ConclusionsRoot cause analysis can be used to reduce defects associated with loaner instrument receiving and improve staff satisfaction.