The Sterile Instrument Tracking System (SITS) went live at the Ann Thomas Building at HSC in January. SITS supports the new environment of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) and the department’s new role in providing case carts to Adult and Pediatric operating rooms. The system automates reprocessing and centralized inventory management functions and assist in instrument preparation and tracking.

T-Doc (stands for “total documentation”) is the product name of the system. This system, purchased from Getinge Canada Limited, is new to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. It is being implemented first at HSC.

By linking with systems supporting surgical management (SIMS), accounts receivable and general ledger (ECLIPSYS), and materiel management, warehouse management and accounts payable (CSCIS), T-Doc will be part of a seamless process designed to increase accuracy and decrease manual effort.

System Functionality

• Tracking instrumentation throughout the reprocessing cycle
• Automating inventory control and the reordering of consumable supplies
• Supporting the accurate and efficient delivery of case carts to Adult, Pediatric and Women’s surgical suites
• Managing inventory accurately and efficiently
• Increasing accuracy and productivity through:
  • Pack on screen
  • Pictures to guide assembly
  • Automated logging of sterilizer batches
  • Centralized inventory
  • Preventative maintenance schedules for equipment and instruments; reports
  • Controls to reduce damage to instruments from improper sterilization
  • Improved staff training tools

Who Benefits

• Sterile Processing Technicians will be introduced to automation
• Sterile Processing Supplies Coordinator will produce electronic orders
• SPD will assemble case carts for Adult and Pediatric Surgery and provide most of the consumable supplies
• Surgery staff will receive case carts and consumables from SPD
• Clinical Supply Chain will receive electronic requisitions

Clinical Benefits

• Efficient inventory management
• Instrumentation linked to patients
• Staff training tool
• Right supplies are available at the right time
• Less time spent looking for items
• Location and status of sterile items can be known at all times

Administrative Benefits
Ability to produce a variety of reports to assist in determining:

• Resource utilization
• Staff productivity

Glossary
Case Cart - holds consumables and sterile items required for an operating room procedure

Pack on screen - the functionality that combines a packing list indicating all instruments required for a set and pictures to assist staff in preparing sterile items

Pick List - an electronic list received from the Surgical Information Management System (SIMS) identifying items required on a case cart

T-DOC - the name of the sterile instrument tracking system. It means, “Total documentation”