Hospital Rep Safety Solutions (HRSS) is a Patient Safety Organization (PSO) dedicated to setting a new standard in healthcare safety and transparency. Recognizing the critical role that Medical Device Representatives (MDRs) play in surgical procedures—managing, delivering, and setting up surgical trays and implants—HRSS is focused on bridging the gaps in education, credentialing, and accountability that exist for these non-hospital personnel.
HRSS partners with healthcare facilities and regulatory bodies to develop rigorous safety protocols, conduct comprehensive audits, and implement standardized training for MDRs, aiming to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs). Our initiatives align with national patient safety goals, fostering a healthcare environment where every representative upholds the highest standards of care and compliance. By advancing education, oversight, and price transparency, HRSS is committed to supporting a safer, more efficient, and more transparent healthcare system for both patients and providers.
Hospital Rep Safety Solutions (HRSS) is a federally listed Patient Safety Organization (PSO) dedicated to enhancing patient safety by auditing, assessing, and reporting critical yet often unaddressed issues in surgical tray management by Medical Device Representatives (MDRs) in healthcare settings. As a component organ
Add a At HRSS, we understand that effective infection control begins well before a surgical procedure starts. The moment surgical trays, instruments, and implants enter a healthcare facility, there is an opportunity to influence patient safety outcomes significantly. Medical Device Representatives (MDRs) play an essential role in this pro
Add a At HRSS, we understand that effective infection control begins well before a surgical procedure starts. The moment surgical trays, instruments, and implants enter a healthcare facility, there is an opportunity to influence patient safety outcomes significantly. Medical Device Representatives (MDRs) play an essential role in this process, delivering and setting up thousands of surgical trays daily. However, the variability in how these trays are handled, stored, and transported—often in non-sterile environments—introduces potential risks for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs).
Every step, from transport conditions to storage locations, impacts the sterility and safety of surgical trays and devices. Without standardized protocols or mandatory certifications for MDRs, handling practices can vary, potentially leading to contamination. Unsterilized trays can harbor harmful pathogens that compromise the sterile surgical environment, increasing the risk of infections in patients.
HRSS is dedicated to addressing these gaps by implementing rigorous standards, comprehensive audits, and specialized training for MDRs. By establishing and enforcing protocols for proper handling, setup, and sterilization compliance at every stage—from point of delivery to surgical setup—HRSS aims to reduce HAI and SSI risks. This proactive approach not only safeguards patient health but also aligns with the broader goals of infection prevention and cost reduction in healthcare.
Trunk stock refers to the practice of Medical Device Representatives (MDRs) storing surgical instruments, implants, and other critical medical supplies in locations outside of healthcare facilities, such as personal vehicles, homes, or storage units. This storage method is intended to provide easy access to necessary items, allowing MDRs
Trunk stock refers to the practice of Medical Device Representatives (MDRs) storing surgical instruments, implants, and other critical medical supplies in locations outside of healthcare facilities, such as personal vehicles, homes, or storage units. This storage method is intended to provide easy access to necessary items, allowing MDRs to quickly deliver supplies to hospitals as needed. However, because trunk stock is stored outside of a sterile environment, it introduces unique challenges for infection control and inventory management.
Unlike hospital settings with stringent sterilization protocols and regulated storage conditions, trunk stock is often stored in variable conditions without formal temperature or humidity control. Surgical instruments and implants can be exposed to fluctuating environmental factors, which may compromise sterility and increase the risk of contamination. This variability can pose significant safety risks when these devices are later delivered to healthcare facilities and introduced into sterile surgical environments.
Patients may not be aware that a non-hospital employee, such as a Medical Device Representative, is involved in setting up instruments and implants for their surgery. Key questions arise: Was this disclosed to the patient? Who is accountable if an instrument or implant is missing? Additionally, some representatives work for distributors h
Patients may not be aware that a non-hospital employee, such as a Medical Device Representative, is involved in setting up instruments and implants for their surgery. Key questions arise: Was this disclosed to the patient? Who is accountable if an instrument or implant is missing? Additionally, some representatives work for distributors handling multiple product lines, while others represent a single company. This distinction raises concerns about training—are representatives sufficiently trained on all products they manage? Transparency and accountability in these areas are essential to ensuring patient safety and trust.
Our audit process includes a detailed review of your facility’s existing policies concerning MDR involvement—from credentialing and access permissions to surgical tray handling and sterilization procedures. By examining these areas, HRSS can pinpoint gaps or vulnerabilities that may increase the risk to the healthcare
Setup is the final check-in point for MDRs before surgery, where thorough accountability and preparation are essential. During setup, the MDR verifies the tray contents, and labels each item.