Hidden Cost of Compliance: IFU Costs Hospitals Millions
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Improving Medical Equipment Cleaning & Handling for Efficiency and Compliance
Addressing ambiguity in medical equipment cleaning protocols can streamline care, reduce costs, and boost staff morale. This article summarizes key insights from a recent discussion hosted by Becker’s Healthcare, focusing on the challenges of inconsistent Instructions for Use (IFUs) and strategies for improvement.
The Problem: Misaligned ifus Disrupt Hospital Operations
Ambiguity surrounding medical equipment cleaning and handling extends beyond simple compliance; it actively hinders efficient patient care, increases operational expenses, and erodes staff confidence. The core of this issue lies in the often-problematic state of Instructions for Use (IFUs) provided by medical equipment manufacturers.
During a recent discussion hosted by Becker’s Healthcare, Brooke Hossfeld, Infection prevention Specialist at Sodexo Healthcare, and Scott Varnum, Vice President of Operations for Healthcare Technology management at Sodexo healthcare, detailed how misaligned IFUs create meaningful disruptions within hospital settings. They explored strategies health systems can employ to enhance efficiency,reduce costs,and maintain survey readiness.
Key Takeaways from the Becker’s Healthcare Discussion
The conversation highlighted several critical areas where improvements are needed. Here are three key takeaways:
1.Outdated and Inconsistent ifus: A Pervasive Issue
Instructions for Use (IFUs), the manufacturer’s guidance on cleaning and maintaining medical equipment, are frequently outdated, challenging to locate, or inconsistent in their presentation. This inconsistency creates confusion and potential for errors.
Sodexo Healthcare has been tracking IFU-related issues even before the recent updates from The Joint Commission. At the 2025 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) conference, infection preventionists reported widespread concerns regarding IFU quality. Many IFUs are outdated, confusing, and inaccessible. Some are buried deep within manufacturers’ websites, lost during mergers and acquisitions when websites are consolidated, or simply disappear altogether.Others are writen in foreign languages or fail to account for newer disinfectant chemicals now commonly used in healthcare environments.
The increasing use of harsh chemicals is also raising industry concerns, as they can cause damage to sensitive equipment. For exmaple, disinfectants like bleach can accelerate the degradation of mattress covers, possibly forcing hospitals to replace them more frequently.
The Impact of Inconsistent IFUs
The consequences of relying on inaccurate or inaccessible IFUs are far-reaching. They include:
- Increased Costs: Premature equipment replacement due to improper cleaning, increased labor costs for searching for IFUs, and potential fines for non-compliance.
- Delayed Patient Care: Equipment may be taken out of service while appropriate cleaning protocols are persistent, leading to delays in treatment.
- Reduced Staff Confidence: Unclear instructions can lead to uncertainty and anxiety among staff responsible for equipment cleaning and sterilization.
- Compliance Risks: Failure to adhere to proper cleaning protocols can result in negative survey findings from organizations like The Joint Commission.
Potential Solutions and Next Steps
Addressing the IFU challenge requires a multi-faceted approach. Health systems are exploring strategies such as:
- centralized IFU Repositories: Creating a single, easily accessible database of IFUs for all medical equipment.
- IFU Standardization: Working with manufacturers to promote standardized IFU formats and content.