Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.

Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.

Get ready for the event of the year—Censis Technologies Users Conference 2024! This groundbreaking conference is where the sterile processing community comes together to ignite innovation, build powerful connections, and elevate healthcare to new heights. If you’re a technician, manager, or industry expert within the perioperative loop, this is the must-attend event of the year! With the theme, "Building Tomorrow: Innovate, Empower, Thrive," CtUC 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together thought leaders, cutting-edge technology, and industry-changing insights that will shape the future of healthcare.

Censis Technologies’ leadership is thrilled about what this year’s conference will offer. Sheena Moore, President of Censis Technologies, is gearing up for her first-ever CtUC, and she’s fired up about the potential this event holds. For her, CtUC 2024 is all about learning from clients and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This is your chance to be part of something bigger, where new technologies will be unveiled, challenges will be tackled head-on, and the focus will remain on the ultimate goal: delivering superior patient care across the globe.

Yeejo Chen, VP of Product and Marketing, is excited to dive into the heart of what makes Censis tick—its customers. At CtUC 2024, you’ll experience firsthand how Censis collaborates with its clients to create solutions that don’t just meet the present needs but anticipate the future. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s the driving force behind every product and service. Expect to leave CtUC 2024 with new insights, tools, and a network that empowers you to solve problems, improve workflows, and enhance patient outcomes like never before.

Chief Technology Officer Harshal Guradia promises that CtUC 2024 will put innovation in the spotlight, especially with AI and advanced technologies that are transforming the sterile processing industry. With a commitment to accelerating product development and enhancing customer support, Censis is leading the charge in revolutionizing healthcare. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting journey, where cutting-edge technology meets real-world application, and where you’ll walk away empowered to make a real impact in your organization. CtUC 2024 is set to be a game-changer—be there to witness it!

In today's healthcare environment, every minute and every detail matters—especially in sterile processing, where equipment readiness can be a matter of life and death. The evolution of sterilization technologies like Sterad has allowed hospitals and VA centers to move beyond outdated processes that once delayed surgeries and compromised patient care. High-level disinfection alone no longer cuts it when rapid, reliable sterilization is possible—and safer. For frontline teams, the ability to quickly turn over instruments without compromising on biological integrity or technician safety marks a true operational breakthrough. Sterad systems not only eliminate lengthy cooldown times but also deliver satisfaction across the board—from patients to surgeons to sterile processing teams. And with proactive, responsive service partners like Scott Johnson, even equipment maintenance becomes a non-issue. At the center of this experience is Annetta McKnight, Sterile Processing Service Chief at Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA, who shares firsthand why dependable sterilization is foundational to modern healthcare.

In today’s high-demand surgical environments, every second counts—especially in sterile processing. As healthcare systems push to improve patient outcomes and operating room efficiency, innovations in low temperature sterilization are becoming critical. Technologies like Velocity, with its seven-second readout capability, are drastically reducing instrument turnaround times, allowing OR teams to respond faster and with greater confidence. This is particularly impactful for delicate and essential tools like robotic and laparoscopic cameras, which can now be sterilized more quickly without compromising safety. The key isn’t just speed, however; it’s also rigorous inspection—from borescopes to visual aids to proper lubrication—to ensure instruments are fully functional before use. Effective SPD leadership bridges the gap between instrument prep and surgical success, and it all begins in the decontamination process. For an on-the-ground perspective on how these improvements are reshaping workflows and enhancing patient care, meet Ayesha Doggett, Manager at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The healthcare sector suffered a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing high-quality services to patients is a priority. However, for healthcare facilities to run properly, managers and directors must make operational and strategic decisions, especially in the perioperative setting. Efficient operating room (OR) management involves maintaining equilibrium between optimal OR capacity, allocation of ORs to surgeons, assignment of staff, ordering of materials, and reliable scheduling while giving the highest priority to patient safety.

But what are the challenges in SPD Management and ensuring high-quality perioperative services?

On a recent episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Michelle Mooney sat down with Brian Dawson, the System VP of Perioperative Services for CommonSpirit Health, to discuss the challenges in measuring productivity in the perioperative setting and SPD. Measuring productivity in the OR is totally different from the sterile processing department. AAMI, one of the SPD governing bodies, has developed a chart indicating the average time required to perform various tasks. Tasks are categorized into four levels.

With this information, Censis can monitor the tasks done in SPD to determine the number of staff required based on workload.

“Most facilities like CommonSpirit Health measure OR productivity through minutes of service- how many minutes do patients spend in the OR and how many people are required to care for them,” Dawson said. “Then, based on that, we can look at how many minutes were used in the OR and how many staff were required, and then we can determine if it is balanced, over, or under productivity. The big picture is to have a comprehensive data sharing which allows for proper assignment, division, and staff utilization.”

Final words to other healthcare facilities that need a tool to measure productivity: find one that suits your procedural area so you can capitalize on the asset you have to generate revenue.

Brian Dawson, the System VP of Perioperative Services at CommonSpirit Health, holds a Bachelor of Science-Nursing degree from American University and a Master’s of Science-Nursing and Health Care Administration degree from Old Dominion University. With over 28 years of nursing experience, his insights offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of perioperative and SPD management.

In this episode of the ConCensis podcast by Censis Technologies, host Gabrielle Bejarano spotlights the Kevin Bevill Facility Awards winners at CtUC 2023. This accolade is a testament to outstanding healthcare facility management and process optimization achievements.

Gabrielle welcomes Tyrenie Davis, the CensiTrac Coordinator at the VA North Texas, who shares insights into her team’s journey toward this prestigious recognition. Davis explains the transformative impact of incorporating data-driven strategies in their sterile processing department, emphasizing the importance of proactive decision-making over-reactive approaches.

Critical insights from the conversation include the importance of using data to identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and anticipate potential issues. Davis also highlights the value of cross-departmental collaboration, continuous professional development, and the strategic use of tools like CensiTrac to maintain high standards and ensure patient safety.

Article by MarketScale

CtUC 2023 Trailblazers are at the forefront of transforming hospital operations, particularly in sterile processing and logistics, as highlighted in a recent episode of the ConCensis podcast. The healthcare industry, driven by technological advancements and the need to improve patient outcomes, continuously seeks solutions to optimize processes and ensure compliance with health regulations—a challenge successfully navigated by these trailblazers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.

What does it take to revolutionize hospital logistics to significantly benefit patient care? Host Gabrielle Bejarano discusses this question with CtUC 2023 Trailblazers at Michael E. DeBakey VA, Timothy Reese, the Associate Chief Nurse of Operations, Dr. David Green, Deputy Chief of the Operative Care Line and Chief of Orthopedics and Podiatry, and Quentin LaCour, the CensiTrac Coordinator. These leaders share their experiences and innovations that have dramatically improved the efficiency of hospital operations.

Bejarano’s conversation with Reese, Green, and LaCour includes the following highlights:

• Loaner Process Optimization: The transformation of a chaotic loaner process into a streamlined system that ensures timely and accurate delivery of surgical instruments

• Implementation of the LoanerLink System: A digital solution that bridges the gap between surgery schedules and sterile processing, drastically reducing errors and delays

• Impact on Staff and Operations: Improvements that enhanced compliance with VA mandates and boosted morale and accountability among the staff

Timothy Reese’s role is pivotal in overseeing the sterile processing services at the medical center. He collaborates closely with Dr. David Green and Quentin LaCour, focusing their expertise in healthcare and military precision on overcoming everyday challenges in hospital logistics.

Dr. David Green manages the entire Operative Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. He is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and directs their residency programs, emphasizing sports and joint fellowships.

Quentin LaCour, the CensiTrac coordinator, has progressed from a regular technician to a leader in tracking all instrumentation, trays, and sterilization records at the facility. His leadership has been crucial in implementing new systems that enhance efficiency and accountability within the medical center.

This episode highlights the achievements of the CtUC 2023 Trailblazers. It is an inspiring example for other healthcare facilities striving to enhance operational efficiencies and ensure better patient care through advanced logistical practices.

In this inspiring episode of ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Frank delves into the remarkable journey and philosophy of Yves Theodule, the 2023 recipient of the prestigious CtUC Kevin Beville Leadership Award. With over three decades in the field of sterile processing, currently thriving at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Yves shares invaluable insights into his leadership style, the significance of certification in sterile processing, and his innovative approaches to fostering teamwork and excellence within his department.

Yves believes in leading with the heart, emphasizing the importance of caring for his team not just professionally but personally. This approach has not only cultivated a highly motivated and efficient team but also fostered an environment where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth and learning. Yves' dedication to pushing for certifications within his team has elevated the standard of work, ensuring quality and competency in every task undertaken.

A standout moment in our conversation is the introduction of a unique team-building exercise involving the classic game Operation, ingeniously tailored to underscore the pressures and responsibilities faced in sterile processing and the OR. This exercise, among others, has significantly enhanced team cohesion and understanding of the critical role they play in patient care.

Moreover, Yves extends his leadership beyond the confines of the hospital, actively contributing to his community by providing free sterile processing education. This initiative not only addresses the industry's need for skilled professionals but also empowers individuals within the community with valuable career opportunities.

The podcast also highlights the creation of the Health Digest Service Excellence Value Award, an initiative by Yves to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes in sterile processing. This award exemplifies the culture of appreciation and respect Yves has instilled in his department, further cementing his status as a visionary leader.

Yves' story is a testament to the impact of heart-led leadership, the power of education, and the value of community engagement. His strategies for team building, professional development, and inter-departmental collaboration offer a blueprint for creating a thriving, inclusive, and efficient workplace.

Listeners will leave this episode inspired by Yves' dedication, creativity, and compassionate leadership, armed with actionable insights to implement in their professional environments.

In the latest episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Vanessa Canvanaugh dives into a compelling discussion with Mark Copeland, Vice President of Sales at 3T Medical  Systems, exploring the transformative power of Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) in healthcare facilities. This conversation highlights the critical role SPDs play beyond their traditional view as cost centers, showcasing them as essential cogs in the multi-billion dollar, high-tech operating room ecosystem. Specifically, the two discuss:

• The misconceptions surrounding SPDs and their pivotal role in operational success and patient safety.
• The economic implications of sterile processing and the importance of data-driven decision-making for SPD enhancements.
• Strategies for SPD professionals to advocate for necessary improvements, leveraging detailed economic analysis and teamwork analogies.

They also touch on the necessity of modernizing SPD equipment, detailing the financial and operational benefits of such investments, and specifically emphasizing the significance of collaboration across departments to achieve healthcare excellence.

With over two decades of experience in the medical, pharma, and biotech sectors with a particular emphasis on medical device sales and sterile processing departments, Mark Copeland enriches this episode as an invaluable resource. His insights are crucial for SPD professionals looking to spearhead departmental enhancements, healthcare administrators contemplating investments in SPD infrastructure, and those intrigued by the confluence of healthcare operations and patient care. With his extensive background, Copeland provides listeners with the essential knowledge and motivation required to implement positive changes and make strategic investments in SPDs, all with the goal of attaining superior healthcare outcomes.

For those looking to delve deeper into the economics of sterile processing, kindly click the link: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/sterileprocessingeconomics

How does achieving a HITRUST cybersecurity certification redefine the security posture and customer trust for companies like Censis Technologies and their clients?

In this insightful episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh engages with Brandi Guest, a Security Operations Engineer at Censis, and Myles Templin, an Associate Manager at A-LIGN, delving into the rigorous journey and significant impact of obtaining a HITRUST cybersecurity certification.

“We wanted [the HITRUST certification] so we could say to customers, look, we went the extra mile,” Guest explained.

“Census achieved the i1 assessment,” Templin said. “That was actually new as of last year, 2022. They reinvented it in 2023, making it more streamlined and fitting with the others.”

Bay Pines VA  Healthcare System has emerged as a beacon of healthcare innovation, particularly in the realm of sterile processing, setting new benchmarks in healthcare efficiency and patient safety. Their journey, marked by significant achievements and culminating in the prestigious 2023 Ron Hesch Award, reflects a deep commitment to advancing healthcare practices. In an industry continually reshaped by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Pines stands out for its exceptional approach to operational excellence and patient care.

In the latest episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Vanessa Cavanaugh engages with Sheryl Eder, the Assistant Chief Nurse of Perioperative & Sterile Processing Service, in a conversation that sheds light on the strategies behind Bay Pines' success. They delve into the innovative methods and leadership techniques that positioned Bay Pines as a leader in healthcare services. The two discuss:

• Sheryl Eder's unique approach to staff engagement and leadership transformed the sterile processing department.
• The role of advanced tracking systems in enhancing sterilization processes and staff efficiency.
• How the Bay Pines team navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, including innovative N95 mask reprocessing.

Sheryl Eder's extensive background in nursing and healthcare management, complemented by her educational achievements and industry recognition, has been a cornerstone in fostering healthcare innovation within her department.. Her proactive and hands-on leadership style has led to significant advancements in healthcare practices.

Sterile processing departments are dealing with persistent operational pressures. Surgical case volumes are rising, instruments are more complex, and staffing shortages remain across many health systems. Accuracy and documentation requirements continue to tighten, leaving little room for error. In busy hospitals, sterile processing teams may handle 10,000 to 30,000 surgical instruments per day, with performance tightly linked to patient risk given the persistent burden of surgical site infections in inpatient care. These conditions are shaping how hospitals evaluate AI in sterile processing as a practical way to support frontline teams without adding disruption or risk.

As health systems reassess where technology can provide real operational support, what does effective adoption look like inside day-to-day SPD workflows?

In Part 1 of this two-part ConCensis podcast series by Censis Technologies, host Daniel Litwin sits down with Chief Technology Officer Harshil Goradia and Senior Director of Product Development Seamus Johnson for a grounded, practical discussion on how AI is being applied in sterile processing today. The conversation centers on where AI delivers measurable value in SPD workflows, why some use cases succeed while others fall short, and how technology can reinforce technician performance without disrupting established processes.

Key points :

• AI is most valuable where traditional software breaks down: Rule-based tools struggle with visual, variable, real-world conditions such as lighting, positioning, and tray variability. AI in sterile processing, particularly computer vision, can interpret this complexity without hard-coding every possible scenario.

• Consistency is the core challenge across SPD workflows: Decontamination, assembly, and sterilization remain the highest-risk steps. Volume growth, case complexity, and staffing strain increase the likelihood of errors, making consistency a primary focus for AI in sterile processing initiatives.

• Final check use cases can have an outsized impact: In customer environments referenced in the episode, missing integrators dropped from dozens per month to zero after implementation. These results show how targeted AI in sterile processing applications can improve accuracy while strengthening documentation and accountability.

Harshil Goradia is a technology executive specializing in AI, SaaS, and large-scale digital transformation across healthcare and enterprise software. As CTO and VP of IT at Censis Technologies, he leads global engineering and AI initiatives that drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and revenue growth. His career spans senior leadership roles at Fortive, Arrow Electronics, and Oracle, delivering high-impact technology platforms and scalable modernization programs.

Seamus Johnson is a senior software developer with more than two decades of experience building technology solutions for the healthcare industry. At Censis Technologies, he leads application development across software architecture, cloud systems, databases, and security, with a focus on supporting hospital and sterile processing workflows. His background includes enterprise software development roles at Censis and Northrop Grumman, grounded in a technical foundation in physics and agile engineering practices.

In healthcare environments where precision and accountability are paramount, sterile processing departments (SPDs) play a critical behind-the-scenes role. As hospitals worldwide embrace technology to close compliance gaps and improve operational transparency, the introduction of patient-centric tracking tools marks a major leap forward. Tying surgical instruments directly to patient records not only strengthens traceability—it reinforces trust in the system. At military and international medical facilities, where logistics are often more complex, having a robust tracking platform becomes essential. Modules tailored to specific needs, like patient tracking or loaner equipment, offer SPDs better oversight and support compliance with evolving standards. But the challenges don't end there—supply chain disruptions still pose a major hurdle, one that demands continued innovation and adaptability. To hear more about how this evolution plays out on the ground, meet Andrew Tony Green, Sterile Processing Manager at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and a frontline voice in the global SPD transformation.

Unannounced surveys are no longer the exception in healthcare—they’re the norm. Accrediting bodies increasingly expect sterile processing departments (SPDs) to demonstrate consistent compliance, real-time documentation, and reliable adherence to manufacturers’ instructions for use on any given day, not just during audit season. Joint Commission survey data continue to show that high-level disinfection and sterilization practices are among the most frequently cited higher-risk infection control areas, often due to breakdowns in implementation, documentation, or adherence to manufacturers’ instructions for use. As standards tighten and scrutiny increases, survey readiness has evolved from a periodic project into an everyday operational discipline.

So, how can SPD teams move beyond the stressful, last-minute scramble and feel confident year-round? What does it actually mean to be “survey-ready” on a random Tuesday morning?

Those questions are at the heart of the latest episode of ConCensis, hosted by Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale. In this episode, Litwin is joined by Lindsay Clarke, Associate Product Owner at Censis Technologies, to unpack why survey readiness must be built into daily habits—and how teams can realistically make that shift.

Together, the conversation explores how mindset, culture, and practical tools intersect to transform survey readiness from a reactive event into a steady, confidence-building practice. Drawing from Clarke’s years of frontline SPD leadership and her current work in healthcare technology, the episode offers grounded, actionable insights for teams at every stage of their readiness journey.

What you’ll learn…

• Why daily survey readiness is fundamentally about patient safety, not just compliance checklists.

• How strong department culture turns compliance from a burden into shared ownership.

• The role of integrated technology and documentation in eliminating last-minute survey stress.

Lindsay Clarke is a clinical educator at Censis Technologies who trains and mentors healthcare teams using evidence-based education to strengthen performance and improve patient outcomes. She brings deep sterile processing leadership experience, having managed SPD operations at Bon Secours Mercy Health and HCA Florida Healthcare with responsibility for sterilization, compliance, and quality. Her strengths include curriculum and training development, cross-team collaboration, and translating real-world clinical workflows into practical improvements.

Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) remain the backbone of safe surgical care, yet across the country, they’re still routinely left out of early decision-making around products, construction, staffing, and case planning. As hospitals juggle tighter margins, higher patient acuity, and growing procedural demands, the consequences of excluding SPD voices become unmistakably real—showing up in daily workloads, rising stress, and risks to patient care. Misalignment between SPD and the OR has already led to inefficiencies, delays, and even high-dollar liability cases in recent years.

How can healthcare organizations ensure SPD teams finally get the visibility, influence, and collaboration they need to support safer, more efficient surgical operations?

That question sits at the center of this episode of ConCensis. Host Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale, speaks with healthcare writer and journalist Kara L. Nadeau to explore her recent reporting on why hospital leaders must give SPDs a meaningful seat at the table. Their discussion explores the root causes of SPD invisibility, the organizational risks of ignoring their expertise, and the practical steps hospitals can begin taking today to close communication gaps across departments.

Top insights from the talk…

• Where SPDs are excluded—and why it matters: From supply chain purchasing to construction planning to surgical case scheduling, Nadeau details the systemic blind spots that keep SPDs out of essential conversations, often until it’s too late.

• The role of data in SPD advocacy: SPD professionals widely report lacking the analytics needed to justify staffing, equipment upgrades, workflow changes, or operational needs to leadership—a gap that directly impacts patient safety and efficiency.

• How hospitals can build cross-department champions: Nadeau highlights examples of organizations where perioperative leaders, infection prevention teams, and executives proactively champion SPD involvement—and how simple actions, like executive walkthroughs, can transform understanding overnight.

Kara L. Nadeau is a veteran healthcare writer and journalist with more than 20 years of experience translating complex clinical, operational, and financial topics into clear, impactful content for the healthcare industry. She serves as a senior contributing editor for Healthcare Purchasing News and Medical Laboratory Observer, specializing in sterile processing, supply chain, perioperative services, and clinical laboratory trends. As founder of KLN Communications, she partners with healthcare organizations—from medical device companies to health systems—to produce research-driven thought leadership, case studies, and executive-level storytelling.

Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) are the unsung backbone of surgical care — ensuring every instrument, tray, and tool is safe, sterile, and ready when needed. Yet, despite their vital role, SPD workflows often rely on manual processes and underrecognized best practices. As healthcare systems push for greater efficiency and staff well-being, SPD managers are turning to smarter tools to bridge that gap. Recent research underscores that inefficiencies in sterile processing can ripple through the entire surgical ecosystem, reinforcing why technology-driven improvements in inspection, tracking, and assembly are essential to reducing workflow disruptions and delays.

Could technology be the key to unlocking new levels of accuracy and efficiency in sterile processing? And how are innovative SPD leaders using platforms like CensiTrac to save time, strengthen compliance, and boost team morale?

That’s the focus of this episode of ConCensis, hosted by Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale. Joining him is Amy Webb, Manager of Sterile Processing at Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, who shares her real-world strategies for improving department efficiency — from smart organization systems to leadership approaches that keep teams engaged. Together, they explore how digital tracking tools, data-driven insights, and a people-first mindset are transforming the SPD landscape.

Key takeaways from the conversation…

• Organizational Overhaul: Webb explains how assigning each tray its own labeled container streamlined workflows, improved inventory visibility, and reduced search time for critical instruments.

• Human-Centered Management: Her leadership style prioritizes open communication, trust, and staff empowerment — creating buy-in that makes process innovation stick.

• Tech-Driven Efficiencies: By leveraging CensiTrac, Webb and her team can now automate documentation, monitor productivity in real time, and integrate performance data with hospital systems — cutting manual record-keeping and aligning SPD output with OR needs.

Amy Webb is the Manager of Sterile Processing at Dignity Health, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience in sterile processing and surgical support. Beginning her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she advanced through roles at Banner Health and Atlas Healthcare Partners before leading operations at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Certified in Sterile Processing and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Webb is known for her leadership in optimizing workflows and elevating SPD team performance.

In healthcare, patient safety and operational efficiency often depend on invisible systems working perfectly in the background. One of those systems—water quality—has quietly become a defining factor in sterile processing success. With new standards such as AAMI ST108 setting stricter expectations, hospitals and SPDs (Sterile Processing Departments) are rethinking how they monitor, manage, and measure their water. Considering that a single SPD will likely use thousands of gallons of water daily, the stakes for getting water quality right have never been higher.

What does “good water quality” actually mean for sterile processing, and how can hospitals transform it from a compliance checkbox into a driver of patient safety and efficiency?

Welcome to ConCensis. In the latest episode, host Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale, sits down with Jeffrey Paquet, CEO of VERDA Water Quality Systems, to unpack the unseen yet critical role of water in healthcare operations. Together, they explore how water quality impacts everything from instrument integrity to infection prevention, and how technology and cross-disciplinary teamwork are reshaping the way SPDs think about their most used resource.

What you’ll learn…

• Water as a performance multiplier: From detergents and enzymes to sterilizers, proper water quality determines how effective every step of the SPD process can be. Poor water equals damaged instruments, higher costs, and potential infection risk.

• Three essential water types: Paquet breaks down utility, critical, and steam water—each with unique standards, uses, and monitoring requirements that SPDs must understand and routinely test for.

• Data-driven management: Technologies like VERDA’s real-time monitoring systems and Censis’ CensiTrac enable departments to correlate water data with instrument outcomes, helping pinpoint and solve quality issues before they escalate.

Jeffrey Paquet is an accomplished healthcare and engineering executive with over two decades of experience leading innovation in medical infrastructure and water quality management. As CEO of VERDA Water Quality Systems and Mobile Medical International Corporation (mmic™), he specializes in ensuring hospitals maintain operational continuity through high-quality temporary surgical and sterile processing facilities. His career highlights include advancing sustainable water quality solutions for healthcare environments and guiding cross-industry engineering design and product development through his firm, Dimension Business Group.

Sterile processing teams are under constant pressure—handling growing surgical demands, working short-staffed, and navigating strict regulations—so getting every instrument tray assembled right the first time has never mattered more. Even a single assembly error can cascade into costly OR delays or, worse, compromise patient safety. Recent research highlights that most surgical instrument errors stem from failures in inspection and identification, and these mistakes frequently lead to operating room delays and wasted resources. In this climate, artificial intelligence tools are stepping in to help SPDs raise their quality benchmarks.

How can AI-powered verification like Censis’ Final Check feature transform the daily realities of sterile processing teams? And beyond efficiency, what impact does this technology have on compliance, staff morale, and hospital culture at large?

This episode of ConCensis, hosted by Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale, dives deep into these questions with guest Greg Warino, the Market Director of Central Sterile Processing at Mercy Health. Together, they explore how Final Check is reshaping workflows, reducing errors, and reinforcing trust across OR teams.

The key topics of discussion are…

Error reduction at scale: Since implementing Final Check, Mercy Health’s SPDs dropped tray indicator errors from 15–20 per month to virtually zero across three hospitals and a surgery center.

Compliance and confidence: Final Check provides photographic proof of tray accuracy, easing survey readiness and empowering technicians with verifiable documentation.

Culture shift and retention: By embracing cutting-edge AI, SPD teams report higher confidence, lower turnover, and renewed trust from perioperative staff.

Greg Warino, CRCST, CHL, is an experienced sterile processing leader with over a decade in perioperative support operations. He currently serves as the Market Director of Central Sterile Processing at Mercy Health, where he has led teams for nearly seven years, overseeing quality, compliance, and efficiency across multiple hospitals. Previously, he managed sterile processing at Steward Health Care for five years, strengthening his expertise in team leadership, process improvement, and patient safety.

The sterile processing industry stands at a pivotal moment. With surgical case volumes rising while departmental resources remaining flat, the pressure to “do more with less” has never been greater. Nowadays, sterile processing departments (SPDs) are struggling with high staff turnover and growing compliance requirements. And while these regulations are designed to improve patient safety, the added workload—combined with frequent staff shortages—can overwhelm teams, slow efficiency, and increase the likelihood of errors that put patients at risk. Against this backdrop, the upcoming Censis Technologies User Conference (CtUC) 2025, themed “Elevating the Standard,” arrives as both a reflection of industry challenges and a rallying call for solutions.

So, what does “elevating the standard” look like in practice—and how can SPD leaders, technicians, and hospital partners rise to meet it?

Welcome to ConCensis. In this episode, host Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale, sits down with three key leaders from Censis Technologies—Amanda Birkhead, Vice President of Product & Marketing; Sheena Moore, President; and Desiré Smith, Implementation Manager—to preview CtUC 2025 and unpack how the conference will help reimagine workflows, empower teams, and strengthen the SPD community at large.

The main points of conversation…

Training, empowerment, and connection: CtUC 2025 (being held virtually from September 8-10) is designed to equip SPD professionals with insights from industry experts, peers, and Censis leaders—fostering both education and community.

Technology for “more with less”: From advanced reporting analytics to new AI-powered co-pilot tools, Censis is unveiling innovations that simplify workflows, reduce risk, and support technicians at every skill level.

Community-driven impact: Beyond education, the conference emphasizes peer-to-peer collaboration, one-on-one engagement with Censis experts, and a ripple effect of shared best practices that can elevate the industry as a whole.

Amanda Birkhead is a senior marketing and product management executive with over 20 years of B2B experience spanning software, services, and industrial solutions. She has held leadership roles at Fortive, Honeywell, and Censis Technologies, where she has driven digital transformation, delivered innovative product roadmaps, and built high-performance teams. Known for translating customer insights into profitable growth strategies, she specializes in global market expansion, strategic organizational transformation, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve measurable business impact.

Sheena Moore is the President of Censis Technologies, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience across the healthcare, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. She has held senior roles at Fortive, Landauer, IDEX, and The Timken Company, where she led business transformations, operational optimization, and growth strategies. With a strong background in general management, sales, and customer-focused innovation, she is recognized for driving organizational performance and building high-impact teams in complex, global markets.

Desiré Smith serves as Implementation Manager, overseeing on-site training for Go Lives and helping clients tailor workflows for maximum efficiency. With years of experience in SPD operations and client success, she bridges technical expertise with hands-on support. She is known for working side-by-side with customers to troubleshoot challenges and ensure the smooth adoption of Censis solutions.

In a healthcare ecosystem increasingly driven by data, sterile processing departments (SPDs) find themselves at a crossroads—balancing precision and pace, safety and speed. As hospitals look to reduce inefficiencies and protect patient safety, analytics tools are transforming sterile processing from an often overlooked backroom function into a vital, data-enhanced frontline of care. Research shows that missing instruments in surgical trays can cause significant delays and financial losses—costing hospitals hundreds of thousands annually—underscoring the critical role of real-time analytics in preventing these inefficiencies.

So, how can frontline healthcare teams merge hard metrics with the soft skill of intuition to streamline operations, improve quality, and ensure safety? What role does data storytelling play in elevating sterile processing strategy?

Welcome to ConCensis. In the latest episode, host Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B at MarketScale, sits down with Beth Perry, Business Intelligence & Analytics Engineer at Censis Technologies, to explore how blending data and intuition is not only possible but necessary in modern SPD operations. The two discuss Perry’s unconventional path from journalism to healthcare analytics, and how narrative instincts can make raw numbers actionable.

Key Takeaways from the Episode…

Intuition Amplifies Metrics: Data analysis in SPDs mirrors journalism—asking the right questions, following patterns, and translating complexity into action. Beth highlights how technician intuition, like recognizing patterns in tray assembly speed, is vital for interpreting data trends.

A Dashboard is Only as Good as Its Story: Beth shares insights on building dashboards that reveal both current performance and actionable paths forward. Clear visualization of productivity, quality, and instrument tracking empowers staff to trust their instincts and take decisive action.

Human-Centric Analytics Lead to Real Impact: From reducing incomplete tray rates from 14% to 9% in one month to identifying training slowdowns, Beth emphasizes how visibility and ownership among SPD teams drive real performance gains.

Beth Perry is a seasoned business intelligence and analytics professional with over 15 years of experience developing data solutions across healthcare, logistics, and technology sectors. At Censis Technologies, she has held multiple analytics-focused roles, most recently serving as an Engineer in Business Intelligence & Analytics, where she helped innovate the company’s AI² platform for sterile processing departments. Known for her strong communication skills and ability to bridge technical insights with business needs, she has become a key driver of data-informed strategy and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.

When most people think of hospitals, their minds go straight to doctors, nurses, and lifesaving procedures. Rarely do they consider the intricate world behind the scenes—especially the sterile processing departments that ensure every surgical instrument is safe and accounted for. In an era where precision and speed can impact patient outcomes, advancements in surgical instrument tracking technology are transforming the way these essential departments operate. The integration of tools like CensiTrac has revolutionized everything from locating misplaced sets to managing loaned equipment with photo documentation, increasing both accountability and efficiency. For professionals tasked with training new technicians, intuitive software has also become an unexpected ally—turning complex processes into teachable, repeatable routines. But the real story isn’t just the technology; it’s about the people leveraging it to build smoother workflows, create faster turnaround times, and offer better care.

To hear from the frontline of this innovation, meet Sydney McWaters and Trey Sneed of Stillwater Medical Center, who share how ConCensis has reshaped their daily work in meaningful ways

This episode of the ConCensis podcast looks into the critical world of sterile processing with CtUC 2023 platinum sponsor Kem Medical Products Corp. Host Vanessa Cavanaugh and guest Mark Ebenstein, VP of Products and Services at Kem Medical, discuss the tools and strategies that ensure safety in healthcare environments. Together, they explore Kem Medical’s integral contributions to sterile processing and Ebenstein’s journey within the industry.

The conversation reveals Kem Medical’s comprehensive range of products designed for sterile and surgical environments, from monitoring badges to neutralizing solutions and spill kits. Ebenstein shares his insights on transitioning from a large corporation to a smaller, more hands-on company and the importance of specialized products for sterile processing departments. Listeners and viewers will get an insider’s perspective on the challenges and solutions that Kem Medical provides, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients.

In the intricate choreography of modern healthcare, sterile processing may not be the most visible performance—but it’s one of the most vital. Behind every successful surgery lies an army of professionals ensuring that every tool is flawlessly clean, complete, and ready for action. As hospitals face rising demands and tighter margins, the ability to track quality metrics and staffing productivity in real-time has become indispensable. Leveraging advanced technology like AI-powered analytics is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity to safeguard patient outcomes and improve operational efficiency.

One leader who’s pioneering this evolution in sterile processing is Josh Meyer, Nurse Manager at Mayo Clinic Rochester, who shares how tools like ConCensis are reshaping the frontline of surgical readiness.

In today’s healthcare environments, the demand for precise tracking, accountability, and quality control in sterile processing departments has never been higher. As hospitals face increasing pressure to optimize workflows and ensure surgical instruments are accounted for, technology like CensisTrac is playing a pivotal role. By enabling real-time visibility and documentation, systems like these help transform how departments respond to issues and prove compliance with ever-stringent standards. The true power lies not only in the data captured but in how teams can use that data to self-correct, train, and continuously improve operations. Features such as quality feedback allow frontline staff to easily log defects, attach photos, and trigger follow-up actions—turning routine tracking into a proactive quality assurance strategy. This kind of integration doesn’t just enhance processes; it empowers people. To see how this vision comes to life, meet Amber VanRooyen, System Manager of Instrument Tracking Systems at MHealth Fairview in Minneapolis, and hear how her team uses CensisTrac to elevate performance and accountability.

In the quiet hum of hospital backrooms, sterile processing departments serve as the guardians of patient safety—meticulously cleaning, assembling, and sterilizing surgical instruments. Yet for years, many of these departments operated in a fog of manual logs, handwritten checklists, and guesswork that left too much room for error. Today, the shift to digital tracking and automation is transforming sterile processing into a precision-driven science. With systems like ConCensis, every instrument's journey—from decontamination to storage—is logged and traceable, ensuring accountability and enabling swift quality control interventions. The data-rich environment also empowers managers with insights into tray usage, inventory optimization, and staff productivity—turning what was once reactive work into a strategic advantage. While digital adoption may be painful up front, as with many hospital tech transitions, the downstream benefits in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind are impossible to ignore.

For a firsthand account of this transformation, meet Brenda "Jan" Prudent, Sterile Processing Manager at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, who shares how technology has reshaped her department and why even the once-dreaded Decontam area is now embraced.

Behind every successful surgical procedure lies an invisible backbone—sterile processing. Often overlooked, this critical department ensures that every instrument is clean, traceable, and ready at a moment’s notice. As hospitals wrestle with efficiency, accountability, and staffing shortages, digital solutions like ConCensis are revolutionizing sterile workflows through real-time tracking and productivity tools. This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about empowering technicians with visibility and pride in their performance, transforming “just another task” into a data-driven mission.

One technician who embodies this shift is Chelissa Gray, a Sterile Processing Technician at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS—hear how ConCensis has changed her daily work, and why she wouldn’t go back.

Hospitals are facing mounting pressure from staff shortages, rising costs, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements. Surgical suites and sterile processing departments (SPDs) are two of the most resource-intensive areas, yet many still rely on manual processes and fragmented data. According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 1,400 hospitals, or 31% of hospitals, reported a critical staffing shortage to the federal government as of January 19, 2022, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. In response, AI in surgery is gaining traction as a practical tool to augment clinical teams and streamline perioperative workflows without compromising patient safety.

How can hospitals use AI to increase surgical efficiency, meet compliance standards, and improve patient outcomes without overwhelming already-burdened staff?

This episode of ConCensis by Censis Technologies, hosted by Amy Chadoff, features Harshil Goradia, Chief Technology Officer and VP of IT at Censis. Together, they explore how AI in surgery is transforming sterile processing and operating rooms, highlighting real-world examples from hospital networks and unpacking how AI is shifting from pilot phase to enterprise necessity.

Key Highlights:

• AI Drives Throughput Without Adding Burden: At St. Luke’s Health Network, AI tools helped increase sterilization throughput by 20%, processing 5,000 more trays a month with the same staff.

• Agentic AI Enables Real-Time Action: Emerging agentic AI can autonomously adjust surgical schedules, flag shortages, and optimize workflows, offering actionable insights instead of just analytics.

• Compliance and Safety at Scale: AI supports SPD technicians by cross-referencing IFUs in real time, identifying assembly errors, and improving standardization across facilities.

Harshil Goradia is the Chief Technology Officer and VP of IT at Censis Technologies, where he leads R&D, AI innovation, and IT strategy. Prior to Censis, he served in the AI Center of Excellence at Fortive and spearheaded digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing and healthcare. His background spans predictive analytics, generative AI, and large-scale system integration, making him a thought leader in operationalizing AI across healthcare environments.

As a society at large, we've gone through a massive cultural upheaval and have had many of our societal norms challenged by a time of crisis. Not only was this a strain on everyone's day-to-day stability, but it also put a wrench in most office-setting business leadership.

On this first part of a Censis Technologies podcast episode, Host Daniel Litwin talked with Derek Murray, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Censis Technologies. They dug into company leadership and how well it responded during the pandemic, lessons to take away, and how leaders can prepare for disruption and rapid change in the future.

Murray started his career in the Air Force, where he cut his teeth as a leader. After his career in the military, he moved into the classroom teaching in public education. During this time, he also taught staff how to lead students. Six years ago, he found his way to Censis Technologies as a trainer and is now in client services.

As hybrid work models persist, and in some cases permanent remote work, leaders have had to adapt to how they lead.Motivating teams in-person, finding ways to get in the trenches and lead alongside your teams, encouraging collaboration and creativity. All the traditional playbooks got thrown out the window, as teams became decentralized and remote one day to the next.

"When change is thrust upon a group of people, in any industry, it can be difficult," Murray said. "Change can sometimes bring out the best, and sometimes the worst. It is important as leaders that we make sure people feel like they're part of a change, even a rapid change."

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

Susie Martin, Project Manager with Professional Services at Censis Technologies, Inc., and Carrie Miller, Perioperative Enterprise Coordinator at The Ohio State University, spoke with ConCensis about best practices for loaner tray management. Miller said that in the case of Ohio State University’s healthcare network, Censis’ LoanerLink is a critical solution for efficient and safe loaner tray management.

“We have five locations and a large vendor influx at our two main locations,” Miller said. “And we see, on average, about two hundred vendor trays a week, plus consignment. Using LoanerLink allows us to look ahead and forecast what’s to be expected.”

LoanerLink’s cloud-based solution assists organizations and healthcare facilities in managing vendor surgical assets. This solution supports both the operating room (OR) and the sterile processing department (SPD) activities while enabling more efficient staffing procedures.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

Instruments often disappear, and the idea behind tracking is use barcodes and scan trays so instruments are traceable. “Being able to have almost like a fingerprint for each one of these instruments and then like Seamus mentioned using that in conjunction with like a computer and a scanner it really helps all of these technicians and nurses regardless of what stage they’re in have that level of visibility,” stated Long. Methods of tracking include electrochemical and laser.

Data generated includes instrument location, when and where they were sterilized, and more, which creates a level of data not possible in past. One advantage of this is the cost-efficiency it creates. Instead of replacing a whole tray after a set number of uses, which is common practice, hospitals can target specific instruments. “If we know exactly what we need to refurbish based on instrument usage, we can then make really cost-effective decisions for maintenance,” Long explained.

Another benefit of this software as a service includes less IT burden—they need not learn the pitfalls or review the security, scalability, and reliability of the service. “The advantage that cloud-deployed software brings is that we do that all for you. We have a team of professionals that do nothing but care for and feed sensor track,” Johnson stated.

Johnson explained, “When we engage with a customer, we are looking for a way to help them improve. Take waste out of the system, do things more efficiently, do things better, ultimately knowing that they are going to make patients better. That’s the number one goal.”

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

CensiTrac is a powerful tool for any medical organization, and Censis wants to make sure organizations get the most from it, which is why they conduct onsite utilization assessments. Cody Pregler, Clinical Educator for Censis, spoke with Tyler Kern on the multitude of ways Censis maximizes efficiencies with advanced clinical support through their ServicePlus model.

What exactly does a utilization assessment report entail?

“A utilization assessment report is where we come onsite, and we look at exactly how you’re using CensiTrac,” Pregler said. “We follow a container around the lifecycle of the hospital and your facility. And when we do this, we uncover blind spots in certain areas where we can improve a bit, as far as where we can track our medical equipment and instrumentation through their full lifecycle process.”

This utilization assessment is so critical to ensure that when the time comes for a process survey or inspection, a clinic is ready to pass with flying colors. Censis makes it easy to check that processes and steps occur through various support tools.

“One of our easiest tools that we provide our customers is what is called an out-of-sequence warning,” Pregler said. “What this does is it tracks that tray and those instruments as they’re moving through the process to make sure it’s hitting every checkpoint it needs to. And those checkpoints reveal information about what’s being performed on that instrumentation as its traveling through its lifecycle.”

With SPD staff shortages occurring throughout the country, it can be a comfort knowing that Censis’ ServicePlus team can assess processes and recommend CensiTrac tools facilities may not know are available to them.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

Every new year brings with it New Year’s resolutions. And these resolutions don’t have to be personal goals, as Censis Clinical Educator Jill Sweeney explained to ConCensis’ Tyler Kern. Resolutions can also apply to effective surgical instrument management. Sweeney gave Kern six solid ways that CensiTrac can help steer 2022 in the right direction.

Losing weight is a resolution that is familiar to most, but in SPD, the goals are a bit different. “Running an overloaded sterilizer, having overweight trays, and problems that that can cause your SPD department,” Sweeney said. “You can end up with failed biologicals, just all-around poor sterilizer performance. The max weight allowance for each machine can be found in your sterilizer’s IFU. In CensiTrac, you enter in that max weight allowance as your first step in your sterilizer compliance, and then CensiTrac will tally up those trays as your starting those loads and tally up what those trays weigh.” This resolution will help keep those weight limits down.

Spending less money is a classic resolution, and CensiTrac is a budget-friendly solution that makes saving easy with its maintenance program. “You can set in maintenance uses for the trays, and then CensiTrac will alert you when those trays need routine sharpening,” Sweeney said. Routine maintenance-tracking reduces the expense of unnecessary maintenance of trays that are not ready for sharpening.

CensiTrac can help keep track of routine tasks and make sure staff receives credit for their work. “A lot of times in sterile processing, staff are doing a lot of things that are outside the realm of what CensiTrac gives credit for in productivity,” Sweeney said. “Efficiency tasks is one of the modules, and that will help give credit to the staff for things that they’re doing outside of what CensiTrac normally gives productivity credit for.”

Hank Balch, founder and President of Beyond Clean, joined host Hilary Kennedy on ConCensis to discuss how instrument tracking data can be a resume goldmine in today’s sterile processing landscape. Balch has a long and extensive resume filled with of industry awards, blogs, social media prowess and conference speeches. 

 Balch started as a frontline technician in instrument reprocessing. He spoke about how his work in sterile processing changed after becoming a father, when he realized that when it comes to little ones going into surgery, “there is no margin for error.”

 “The fatherhood piece is baked into everything I do,” said Balch. He described the industry as being very personal. When it comes to sterile processing, there has been a debate for many years about whether there should be greater background requirements since a higher education degree is not currently an entry-level requirement. Balch weighed both the advantages and disadvantages to this and the potential career opportunities it provides. 

 For Balch, he doesn’t think career experience is the only indicator of a good job candidate. “We want data that can say ‘I contributed this to the productivity and to the efficiency and to the safety of my department,’” said Balch. He cited total instruments processed and total trays assembled as indicators to look for to defray challenges in the recruiting process.

 Balch also discussed how this data could positively impact issues with pay rate in the industry. Recent data has highlighted the significant impact of sterile processors, which is also helping to beef up resumes. “It’s the first step to begin this data-driven conversation at the HR level… that your resume can get to the top of the pile.”

 Balch encourages employees to advocate for their departments to track instrument data if they are not already tracking it. “Now everyone in the department will be better positioned to be more competitive in the workplace or the industry as a whole because they can get access to their instrument data.”

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

As leaders, it's always important to listen to your employees. But, now might be the most crucial time to listen and understand the needs of employees who are going through tumultuous times. Empathy and appreciation are vital tools as leaders look to navigate the pandemic.

On the second part of this ConCensis podcast episode, Host Daniel Litwin talked with Derek Murray, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Censis Technologies. They dug into company leadership and how well it responded during the pandemic, lessons to take away, and how leaders can prepare for disruption and rapid change in the future.

Censis Technologies morphed into a virtual company in order to adjust to this new work life. Since workers no longer get camaraderie over the water cooler or in the break room, it's essential to make sure employees stay connected with each other and their managers.

"I make sure every morning I send out a message saying 'Hey, Good morning happy Tuesday,'" Murray said, "and then just kind of going over things of what they day looks like and then reminding them often 'I really appreciate everything they're doing.'"

These are just some things that leaders can do since we're not in person, according to Murray. It's important as leaders to make sure those in their charge know they're valued. It's also not just about daily work but also what an employee is doing well.

"I think we as leaders always get in the mode of trying to fix things, but we need to celebrate awesome things people are doing," Murray said.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

In today’s fast-paced surgical environments, sterile processing departments (SPD) face rising pressure to deliver accuracy, speed, and accountability. Technology is no longer optional—it’s a necessity to meet these standards while supporting technician efficiency. With the complexity of instrumentation, especially in cases like ENT trays, traditional manual tracking can slow processes and leave room for errors. Solutions like CensiTrac are transforming this space by enabling visual and data-driven guidance that streamlines tray assembly and documentation. By integrating photo-based verification and robust reporting tools, SPDs can now reduce assembly time, improve traceability, and foster fair evaluations among staff. The result isn’t just faster processing—it’s stronger team morale and better alignment on performance. To understand how these gains are playing out on the ground, meet Alex Yanez, SPD Manager at Texas Health Flower Mound, as he shares firsthand how CensiTrac is changing the game.

Technology plays a central role in every aspect of medical advancement — even in the surgical asset management field.

On an episode of ConCensis host, Tyler Kern was joined by Theresa Cole, a Sterile Processing Manager at Northern Nevada Sierra Hospital, and Jason Blake, a project manager with Censis Technologies – the company behind CensiTrac, a system being used to manage all things surgical instrument management.

When health centers and facilities look to adopt a new system, there are several key things that they look for. But for Cole, her main goal was to work with a software that facilitated patient tracking and was easy to use.

"The most important thing is being able to track to the patients … kind of a thorough implementation to be able to track through the process. We've used CensiTrac in the past so as a system I was familiar with, I was very comfortable and confident using it at this facility," said Cole.

The CensiTrac system was the most significant factor for Cole's interest in her management job. The Censis software was going to be used at Northern Nevada Sierra, which piqued Cole's interest. "CensiTrac was in place … because there's very extensive modules to be able to track paperless, track to the patient, track the instrumentation … it was a very comprehensive system so that was a selling feature for sure," stated Cole.

Having a support team in the surgical asset management field is also important. The Censis implementation team assists hospital staff on how to use the system, ensuring proper and safe security measures, and getting people all on the same page for a smooth process.

Early preparation stands to be the main factor in effectively implementing sterile processing and what has to be prioritized. "The main thing is their data – what is their information going to look like," said Blake.

For sterile processing, these things include items like count sheets and instrumentation. Blake stated, "that is core training for a tracking system to ensure that you have the right data in place. All their trays, the tray names — anything that has to do with that first is a really big thing."

He added that coordinating with information technology personnel and understanding the hardware should be emphasized in surgical asset management because oftentimes, switching from one system to another or implementing into a totally new system might come with trial and error since every facility has its own needs.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

To access additional podcasts, visit the ConCensis Podcast Show featured on MarketScale.

CensiTrac’s robust reporting capabilities can provide sterile processing departments (SPDs) with a wealth of opportunities for efficiencies. Dalton Carter, Technical Support Manager at Censis, discussed some of these CensiTrac features with host Hilary Kennedy.

"SPD’s need to report on a wealth of important information from sterilization records to employee productivity to anything with case tracking, and knowing what was used on a patient specifically,” Carter said.

Competencies within CensiTrac can show which employees are trained in certain areas and provide sign-offs for accountability. “Along with that, you can see data points of where your trays are scanned throughout your entire department, including the OR if you’re scanning there,” Carter said.

Although Carter said one of the most popular reporting features in CensiTrac is the employee productivity report, his personal favorite was a general inventory throughput report due to the ability to customize it in hundreds of ways.

“There are so many different reports you can run,” Carter said. “Whether it be compliance or where a tray is, where an instrument is, there are different reports you can run to get the filters that you need."

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

Healthcare has plenty of potential pain points to go around, but one of the industry’s longest lasting is the proper use of immediate use steam sterilization, or IUSS.

The procedure, traditionally known as “flash sterilization,” offers the quickest possible time between an instrument’s use and its ability to be used again. However, that benefit is countered by several key challenges.

Notably, a lack of documentation and proper recordkeeping, specifically around the use of trays, and general concern about the efficacy of IUSS have led the AAMI to support minimal use of the practice, if it’s used at all.

However, IUSS does present some benefits. Medical professionals still like it in specific scenarios for its ability to keep tools available, offset supply drops or late arrival, and avoid contamination in the middle of a procedure.

So, if it’s to be used at all, how can the industry ensure it’s being done in as safe a way as possible? Enter Censis Technologies.

On this Censis Technologies podcast, Kelly Swails (MAOL, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, ST), Director of Clinical Services for Censis, joined host Daniel Litwin to break down how the company’s CensiTrac solution can give medical professionals holistic insight into their processes and help them make the right decisions for each unique scenario.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

On this episode of the podcast, host Tyler Kern talked with Kelly Swails, Director of Clinical Services for Censis Technologies, the industry leader in surgical instrument management systems, offering advanced, web-based software systems.

Kern and Swails talked about the lifecycle of a container and the importance of tracking during the process.

Today, we’re talking about documenting the lifecycle of a container. As a clinical educator, Swails helps companies optimize their use of CensiTrac Instrument Management, the first surgical instrument tracking system built to track all the way down to the instrument level and make documenting processes easier and more efficient.

When you think of the lifecycle of a container, it’s neverending, according to Swails. The No. 1 area where containers don’t get documented is in decontamination. When they come into this area, they go through pre-clean and washers.

“If you have a tracking system, you have that capability with CensiTrac to scan into that decontamination module,” Swails said. “You’ve now documented that container history that that stuff was cleaned. However, if you don’t have a tracking system, you have to write it on paper. Even for those that do, sometimes they’re skipping that part, and that may be due to a lack of computers, lack of knowledge or education or knowing that they should be doing this and it should be documented.”

Once a container is cleaned, it comes through tray assembly, and Swails noted this is where she typically sees good compliance. Then it goes through sterilization, case cart assembly, and back to the operating room.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

There’s never been a greater need for hospitals and other healthcare operations to have full visibility into their assets and how they’re being used in operating room settings and beyond.

In a healthcare landscape that’s seen most healthcare operations adopt some form of electronic health records (EHR) solution, Censis’s solutions can integrate with those capabilities and provide a more intuitive, seamless experience in ensuring that visibility.

To discuss the benefits of Censis solutions like CensiTrac and ScopeTrac Advanced in providing Sterile Processing Departments and Operating Room suites effective visibility of case needs, asset allocations, patient use, and the means to document and communicate facility-specific events related to case picking and utilization, host Shelby Skrhak was joined for this episode of Censis’s podcast by Jacob Long.

Long is a Business Development Manager and Sales Engineer for Censis. He’s personally implemented Censis solutions for years and witnessed firsthand the value for customers that derives from the visibility and traceability the organization’s systems provide via the user-friendly and customer-focused application.

The world of sterile processing and perioperative departments is constantly evolving and requires a comprehensive system to fit any facility’s workflow and needs, and Long shared why Censis’s solutions fit that mission and help organizations reprocess assets readily and safely.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

Sam Harrison, Senior Clinical Educator at Censis Technologies, provided Tyler Kern with an education in endoscopy when he guided him through the lifecycle of a scope and how Censis technologies’ ScopeTrac and CensiTrac play a vital role in the process.

Scopes first go through a deamination process before they enter the OR. CensiTrac then captures the cleaning and reprocessing procedures.

“When the tech checks that scope into the scope processing module, the instructions for use are displayed,” Harrison said. “Those instructions for use can be customized per the scope model, the manufacturer’s IFUs can be uploaded, or video can be uploaded to make it as easy as possible for the end-user.”

After the scope receives reprocessing, it goes to a cleaning room for disinfecting. This process requires tracking, which CensiTrac streamlines. Once disinfected and logged, a scope will go to a clean storage area, and CensiTrac will provide information on those scope’s storage location.

Once a scope enters the procedure room, CensiTrac’s case-tracking module can associate that scope to a patient through a case ID#. “In each area, CensiTrac is used to track and document every required process,” Harrison said.

ScopeTrac is another critical piece of the digital scope record process that makes it easy to comply with regulations.

“Having those processing steps there to help abide by the regulatory requirements is huge,” Harrison said. And, with the added functionality of video and image uploads, techs have additional tools and resources at their disposal to correctly identify and log in scopes.

While ScopeTrac with CensiTrac addresses all these needs, Harrison mentioned that there is now ScopeTrac Advanced, which provides additional solutions, such as OR scheduler interface capabilities.

Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

Creating Sterile Processing Department schedules that make the most of a staff’s time requires a complete understanding and visibility of the demands of a particular healthcare facility. And to gain that big picture, a department needs data and lots of it. Still, more than that, a Sterile Processing Department needs a platform solution that provides reporting in an innovative and actionable way.

What’s the next generation of technology available to make SPD scheduling demands less challenging?

Tyler Kern, the host of ConCensis, came together with Seamus Johnson, Sr. Director of Application Development for Censis, Jeff Long, Network Director of Sterile Processing at St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Cody Troutt, Director of Central Sterile at Williamson Medical for a third, and final discussion on Censis’ new CensisAI2 Productivity platform.

This third conversation with Kern, Johnson, Long, and Troutt includes the following:

• The importance of optimized SPD staff utilization
• Creating tray efficiencies through data analysis
• Advice for hospitals considering or evaluating the CensisAI2 tool

“You have to be able to demonstrate to them (the C-Suite) a return on investment,” Troutt said. “It doesn’t matter if you work for a for-profit or not-for-profit hospital. Your not-for-profit hospitals are not for a loss either.”

Seamus Johnson is an experienced Senior Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Johnson’s proficiency in Software Architecture, Agile Methodologies, C#, Angular, and TypeScript makes him a valued asset to the Censis team, where he’s spent most of his career.

Jeff Long is an experienced Department Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Long is skilled in Medical Devices, Infection Control, Orthopedics, Capital Equipment, and Healthcare. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused on Organizational Management and Leadership Development from Ashford University.

Cody Troutt is an experienced Customer Service Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Troutt’s a strong support professional skilled in Coaching, Medical Devices, Sales, Team Building, and HR Policies.

When it comes to handling change, look no further than Censis’ CtUC 2023 Change Maker Award winner Alina Easley for advice.

With its rapidly evolving technological advancements, the healthcare sector aims to streamline operations and improve patient care. This transformation often requires a marriage of technical skills and change management to ensure that healthcare professionals are adept at using new tools while being open to altering traditional work processes. Alina Easley, the recent recipient of the 2023 CtUC Change Maker Award, is a testament to this hybrid approach, spearheading changes that transitioned her department from paper documentation to an optimized digital system, thus elevating operational efficacy. Better tech adoption can significantly reduce administrative burden errors and improve patient outcomes.

How can healthcare facilities overcome resistance and integrate modern technologies into their workflow, ensuring efficiency and staff satisfaction?

In the latest episode of ConCensis, host Gabrielle Bejarano invites Alina Easley,a CensiTrac Coordinator and the 2023 CtUC Change Maker Award Winner for an enlightening discussion. The conversation dives into Alina’s journey, her strategies for overcoming resistance to change, and how her initiatives have significantly benefited her department by reducing paper documentation and streamlining processes.

Bejarano and Easley discuss the following:

• Continuous education and explaining how the "why" can gain staff acceptance to change

• Utilizing a network of resources and peers to professionally develop as a leader

• Collaborating and receiving feedback from staff to successfully adopt new technology

Alina Easley, with her background as the CensiTrac Coordinator for Central Texas VA and Austin Outpatient Clinic, has been pivotal in ensuring the functionality of CensiTrac at her facilities. Her role doesn’t stop at being a technical coordinator, it extends to being an educator and change manager, addressing hardware issues and leading the charge in deploying new features and processes.

Despite its rapid technological advancements, the Sterile Processing industry faces a challenge: professionals often feel disconnected. The upcoming Censis Technologies Users Conference (CtUC) Connect 2023, scheduled from September 10-12 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, seeks to address this issue. A recent survey highlighted that 80% of professionals believe in-person conferences, like CtUC 2023, are essential for building meaningful connections and staying updated on industry best practices.

The Censis Technologies Users Conference promises more than a gathering; it’s a platform to elevate Sterile Processing excellence. Attendees can anticipate a blend of educational sessions, insights from industry experts, and invaluable networking opportunities.

What’s the central theme of this year's conference? How can Sterile Processing professionals maintain their edge in a rapidly evolving industry?

On this special episode of ConCensis, a podcast by Censis Technologies, presented by Kem Medical Products, host Gabrielle Bejarano, and a trio of Censis leaders provide answers and insights into the much-anticipated CtUC 2023. The episode features:

Censis President Poornima Gopalakrishnan, VP of Customer Support & Service Allison Flood, and VP of Products & Marketing Yizhou Chen covering the following topics:

• The significance of CtUC 2023, marking the first in-person conference since 2019

• The role of CtUC in advancing sterile processing innovation

• New product debuts and features launching at the conference

With her diverse experience in supply chain and sterile processing in Southwest Florida, Allison Flood now serves as the VP of Customer Success and Service at Censis. Yizhou Chen has a prosperous career spanning commercial and product management roles across multiple continents. Purnima Gopalakrishnan brings over a decade of experience in the dental industry, focusing on product management, marketing, and operations.

Creating an instrument management standardization program for multiple facilities shouldn’t be a hassle and shouldn’t require mountains of physical paperwork.

In today’s digital age, reliance on paper processes in healthcare institutions is outdated and wasteful. According to recent data, American healthcare institutions waste more than five million tons of paper annually. This environmental degradation results in significant energy waste and increased costs. As healthcare institutions strive to adopt sustainable practices, the shift from paper to digital processes is imperative.

So, how can healthcare institutions transition from paper-heavy processes to more sustainable digital solutions that are also cost-effective?

Welcome to ConSensis, a Censis Technologies podcast. In this episode, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Robby Miller, Sterile Processing Department Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, to discuss the importance of instrument management standardization across multiple facilities.

Bejarano and Miller discuss the following:

• The environmental and cost implications of relying on paper processes in healthcare

• The challenges surrounding paper record retention and access

• The benefits of transitioning to digital solutions like CensiTrac for efficient instrument management

• Practical steps and strategies for healthcare institutions to adopt sustainable practices.

With over twenty-five years of experience at the facility and more than two decades leading sterile processing departments, Robby is a recognized expert in the field. He plays a pivotal role as a subject matter expert within his enterprise, Common Spirit Health, which spans 142 hospitals across 28 states. Robby's expertise extends to the implementation and benefits of CensiTrac, the instrument-tracking system used across the enterprise. His insights into the importance of instrument management systems and the need for standardization across multiple facilities make him a valuable voice in the industry.

In this impactful episode of the ConCensis podcast, host Yasmeen Hassan sits down with Robby Miller, Sterile Processing Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Center, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the field of sterile processing. With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare, Miller shares his journey from EMT to SPD leader, offering a candid look at how technology like CensisAI² is elevating efficiency, quality, and patient safety in surgical environments.

Miller unpacks the evolving challenges in sterile processing—from regulatory compliance to managing increasingly complex surgical instruments—and explains how AI-driven tools are helping teams deliver cleaner, safer, and more reliable results. He also discusses the vital role of leadership in building processes, setting KPIs, and fostering a culture of continuous learning across healthcare teams.

• CensisAI² enables real-time tracking, performance coaching, and better compliance by transforming departmental data into actionable insights, allowing SPD leaders to fine-tune staffing, productivity, and tray quality with confidence.
• AI is helping reduce instrument errors and boost quality assurance by identifying trends in missing instruments, monitoring staff accuracy, and enabling predictive resource planning for high-volume surgical schedules.
• The future of sterile processing lies in automation and standardization, where tools like CensisAI² will support leaner tray assemblies, streamlined training for new technicians, and aggregated IFU data to ensure safer reprocessing at scale.
• Technology is most effective when paired with human leadership and clear communication, with Miller emphasizing the importance of educating staff on both the “how” and the “why” to drive successful tech adoption and buy-in.

As sterile processing continues to evolve, Miller’s insights highlight how AI can serve as an extension—not a replacement—of the skilled technicians behind the scenes. Through smart deployment and a commitment to excellence, the future of surgical safety looks brighter, more efficient, and more connected than ever.

With the world continuing to grapple with the aftermath of COVID-19, healthcare facilities are finding it harder than ever to recruit and retain qualified staff. The high cost of living, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly competitive job market have created a perfect storm, leading to a whopping 77 percent of employers struggling to fill positions, according to a Manpower Talent survey. Nearly every industry is experiencing recruitment challenges, even healthcare, which is ultimately leading to new strategizing. But the stakes are high and without adequate staff, healthcare facilities can’t operate at full capacity, threatening their survival and the broader economic recovery.

How do healthcare facilities navigate this tough recruitment landscape? What strategies can they employ to not only attract, but also retain the talent they desperately need? On the latest “ConCensis” podcast, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomed guest Brian Reynolds, the Assistant Chief of Sterile Processing Services at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach Florida to explore how it’s affected the field of sterile processing. The two dived into the heart of recruitment woes, and discussed the root causes of these staffing problems, potential solutions, and the implications of current trends on the future of hiring.

Bejarano and Reynolds talked more on:

● How offering competitive pay is crucial to attract and retain talent

● Collaboration between HR and the hiring department to ensure new hires are supported for a smooth and strong onboarding

● Providing continuous development opportunities to improve skills and increase job satisfaction and retention.

Brian Reynolds is the Assistant Chief of Sterile Processing Services at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach Florida and has a wealth of experience in recruitment having navigated recruiting challenges firsthand in his role. Reynolds has a rich background in healthcare with over three decades of experience in the sterile processing field.

Preventing HAIs (healthcare-acquired infections) is critical in sterilization and quality control processing. Maintaining AAMI ST-91 guidelines ensures adherence to the latest sterilization and quality control methods for endoscopes. And with over 51.4 million inpatient surgeries performed in the U.S. each year, keeping up-to-date guidelines for AAMI ST-91 is paramount.

How do the updated AAMI ST-91 guidelines improve endoscope reprocessing and enhance compliance?

In this ConCensis episode brought to you by Censis Technologies, host Gabrielle Bejarano discusses the updates to the AAMI ST-91 guidelines, focusing on endoscope reprocessing. The discussion addresses the challenges and importance of proper cleaning, the impact of ST-91 requirements, and the role of electronic tracking systems in enhancing compliance and patient safety. Kelly Swails, Clinical Business Manager at Censis Technologies, and Mary Ann Drosnock, Director of Clinical Affairs at Healthmark Industries joined Bejarano to delve into the challenges associated with endoscope reprocessing, the significance of the AAMI ST-91 guidelines, and the implementation of electronic tracking systems to streamline processes and improve patient safety.

Bejarano’s discussion with Swails and Drosnock includes:

• The challenge of endoscope cleaning and the significance of the ST-91 guidelines:
• AAMI (Association for the Advancement in Medical Instrumentation) and its role in enhancing compliance and patient safety
• Adoption and impact of updated guidelines

About Kelly

Kelly Swails is the Clinical Business Manager at Censis Technologies with experience in endoscope reprocessing and implementing electronic tracking systems. She received her M.A. in organization leadership from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.

About Mary Ann

Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock is the Director of Clinical Affairs at Healthmark Industries, where she provides expertise in medical device processing and infection prevention and leads an experienced team of Clinical Educators. For nine years, she was co-chair of AAMI WG 84, which writes ST91, the national standard on flexible endoscope reprocessing, and TIR99 on the processing of ultrasound probes and dilators. Before Healthmark, Mary Ann managed the Infection Control Program for Olympus America, worked and managed labs as a pharmaceutical microbiologist, and taught Microbiology courses at the college level. MaryAnn has a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Quality and Regulatory Affairs, and a DrHSc in Healthcare Administration and Management.

Sterile processing departments are persistently understaffed with high turnover which leads to higher defect rates. These defects have serious impacts on patient safety and are the third leading cause of operating room delays.

So how can SPD leadership get actionable data they need to make impactful changes that will significantly improve sterile processing outcomes and help lower defects?

On today’s episode of the ConCensis Podcast, host Gabrielle Bejarano speaks with Stewart Pillow, Senior Program Coordinator at VCU Health, and Shamu Anthony, SPD Education Coordinator at VCU Health, about the significance of using quality data for education and training, and their experience using CensisAI², to gain insights to streamline operations and make better, data-driven decisions faster.

Bejarano, Pillow, and Anthony discussed:

1. The experience of transitioning to using CensisAI² to better see quality data

2. Using quality data for education and training

3. Impact of AI tools on productivity and quality

"Previously, we relied on a data analyst to maintain the dashboard for our quality data. However, CensisAI² is great because it reduces the time required to fill, sort, and represent data. In addition, it is easier to access and use. Using CensisAI² can help us trace back quality performance in the past to make future predictions of performance, which can guide the decision of what training to include for our staff. CensisAI² is helping to bridge the gap between productivity and quality. Data that used to take months to make sense of has now become available at a click of a button. This has created a more efficient and sustainable workflow," explained Pillow.

“Most times, we have lots of new staff and travelling staff. As a result, using CensisAI² has helped me identify key areas of focus during training programs. It also helps to identify what instructions or reminders the staff needs, which helps to optimize consistent productivity across the board to get quality results, regardless of the shift or the number of trays we need to process.” said Anthony.

Stewart Pillow is the Senior Program Coordinator at VCU Health. He earned a Standard Diploma from Varina High School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from ECPI University.

Shamu Anthony is the SPD Education Coordinator at VCU Health. She oversees the education for sterile processing. She identifies areas that require more education with CensisAI² and ensures the training is tailored to address these areas.