Certified Surgical Cleaning Technician (CSCT) Curriculum
CSCT curriculum supports and builds the core competencies of highly skilled professionals responsible for cleaning in high-stakes surgical and procedure environments. Training emphasizes the importance of on-the-job performance and deepened self-awareness of working in the complex surgical environment. It includes surgical suite infection prevention; cleaning and disinfecting: problem-solving; communication; and the impact on patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Execute proper sterile room cleaning and disinfecting techniques.
- Practice standard operating room procedures and protocols to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
- Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills specific to the operating room.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues (nurses, surgeons, and facility teams).
Modules:
| Module | Hours |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Why Your Role Matters | 1.5 |
| Module 2: Prepare for Action | 4.0 |
| Module 3: Master the Procedures | 7.0 |
| Module 4: Solve Sticky Situations | 2.0 |
| Module 5: Making an Impact | 2.0 |
Module 1: Why Your Role Matters (1.5 hours)
- Course introduction
- Video: What it means to be a CSCT
- Discuss: the vital role of CSCTs; the importance of the OR; the Responsibility Matrix; HIPAA laws
During this period, everyone will also give a personal introduction and get to know each other.
Module 2: Prepare for Action (4 hours)
- Discuss: The difference between pathogens and the levels of disinfectants required for each one.
- Video: Learn about the spread of infection.
- Discuss: Establishing good habits; recognizing when you have a challenge; the importance of hand hygiene and proper procedure.
- Video: Learn about the chain of infection.
- Discuss: How the chain of infection can be broken at every link; identifying high-touch objects; using proper cough and sneeze hygiene; responsibilities for cleaning and disinfecting and using chemicals.
- Activity: Teams will create a plan of action to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and increase safety awareness.
Module 3: Master the Procedures (4 hours)
- Discuss: The differences between "clean" and "disinfected"; the different types of precautions; how to properly don and doff PPE.
- Activity: Learners will practice donning and doffing PPE.
- Discuss: Door signs; proper hand hygiene; terminology for items commonly found in the OR; zone cleaning; methods for cleaning and the three different types of cleaning tasks; stocking the cart.
- Video: The class will watch video demonstrations of cleaning procedures and the three different types of cleaning tasks.
- Activity: Learners will play a game with matching cards to learn the definition and/or purpose of items or procedures on the job.
- Video: Watch a video of a technician performing a procedure. Discuss the video as a group.
Module 4: Solving Sticky Situations (2 hours)
- Discuss: The importance of critical thinking; how to deal with time pressures.
- Video: Watch a video of a technician proactively solving problems on the job. Discuss the video as a group.
- Discuss: How to communicate effectively; how to implement a PDSA (plan, do, study, act) plan.
- Activity: Learners will work in a small group to address a situation that requires communication. They will utilize a PDSA plan to practice key concepts associated with making decisions and effective communication.
- Video: Watch a technician successfully assert him or herself in conversation with a colleague. Discuss the video.
- Activity: Learners will work with a partner or in a small group to solve a sticky situation on the job. Afterward, the class will discuss each group's approach.
Module 5: Making an Impact (2 hours)
- Discuss: The importance of asking questions; how to be proactive.
- Video: Watch a technician learn about a change in the day's duties and how she effectively communicates with the team to address these changes. Discuss the video.
- Activity: Learners will come up with a plan to gather information at the beginning of their shift. Afterward, the class will discuss each learner's plan to see a range of ideas.
- Activity: Learners will split into teams and participate in a review game based on answering questions and earning points.
- Activity: In their workbooks, learners will create a plan of action to implement ideas that they have learned during the entirety of the course.
- Review: To finish, there will be a review of the entire course, including time for questions at the end as well as information about the certification exam.
