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Enhancing Tray Integrity: A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Central Sterile Processing Defects
Date Available
4-20-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
College
Nursing
Department/School/Program
Nursing
Faculty
Dr. Laura Hieronymus
Committee Member
Dr. Sandra Myers
Faculty
Dr. Julie Marfell
Faculty
Dr. Amanda Thaxton-Wiggins
Abstract
Background: Instrument tray defects contribute to surgical delays, workflow disruptions, rework in sterile processing, inefficient instrument utilization, and patient safety risks.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce orthopedic instrument tray defects through targeted education and standardized tray audits with double-check verification in a large academic medical center.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design was utilized to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Tray errors were captured using a standardized binary indicator. Staff satisfaction and confidence surveys were measured using Likert-scale surveys.
Results: Orthopedic trays were analyzed before (n=1,017) and after (n=941) implementation. Post-implementation, tray errors decreased from 0.59% to 0.00% (p=.032), Central sterile processing staff satisfaction improved significantly (p=.014), and operating room staff demonstrated positive trends in confidence and satisfaction.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that standardized audits and layered verification can strengthen perioperative reliability and support safer, more efficient surgical workflows.
Recommended Citation
Conn, Ashley, "Enhancing Tray Integrity: A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Central Sterile Processing Defects" (2026). DNP Projects. 511.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/511
