Tearing down the walls between O.R. and S.P.D.

The focus of this article is the relationship between the Operating Room (O.R.) and the Sterile Processing Department (S.P.D.). The goal is to help readers gain insights into the driving forces which impact on both departments and to help them establish realistic expectations for improving the performance and quality of this relationship. It is important to discuss ways to solve conflict and enhance teamwork between the O.R. and S.P.D. Both departments need to establish a common understanding and ensure that everyone "talks the same language" and "tears down the walls" between them. For the purpose of this article the short form of S.P.D. will be used for Sterile Processing Department (sometimes known as Central Processing), the department where instrument processing takes place and the distribution center for the entire hospital's supplies.