QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE IN CSSD AT A MATERNITY CARE HOSPITAL USING THE PDCA CYCLE TO SUPPORT KAIZEN (CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT)

Abstract

Background: The Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) is a service unit of the hospital responsible for providing guaranteed sterile equipment/ instruments to all the departments of hospital for immediate use in patients care. Method: During a 4-month period, in CSSD which caters two number of operation theatres and a 6 bedded Intensive care unit, a central laboratory and a blood bank a study was done, we used PDCA approach to PLAN i.e., identify and analyze the problem, within CSSD and to “DO” i.e., implement changes in CSSD from the inputs given by all the stakeholders involved viz. CSSD technicians, staff, nursing ofcers and the consultants. Subsequently PDCA approach was used to identify and analyze the problem, viable solutions were incorporated. Results : To identify the problem process mapping and interactive sessions with the staff and it was identied that the main problem was inadequate quality in the CSSD services. Our analysis also extracted that the Standard operating procedures were documented related to CSDD were found to be inadequate with regard to the machine maintenance, staff training. The “Do” stage is where we checked for possible solutions or changes. By carrying out a detailed process mapping of the CSSD work ow, an action was taken based on what was learned in the study and to incorporate what we have learned from the test into wider changes, to plan new improvements and start the cycle. Conclusions : The interesting application of PDCA cycle to improve Kaizen and the results achieved reinforces the usefulness of the Kaizen tools to improve business excellence. Using the same facilities, it was possible for efcient space utilization, better improvement in Knowledge of the manpower, identied few gaps in the material procurement and developed standard operating procedures to be followed which are on par to the national and international infection control guidelines which resulted in better working conditions and efcient output from the central sterile supply department.