Programme

Session 2.2.1

Advantages and Challenges in CSSD Automation

Date: 13 Oct 2026 | Time: 1450 - 1510 | Venue: Level 1, L1-S1, Academia

Speaker: Ms Philomena Liew

Automation in CSSD has operationally transform the manual, labour-intensive process of instrument reprocessing into a digital and streamlined workflow. The main advantages include:

1. Enhanced patient safety and quality
   • Reduced Human Error
   • Standardised Processing
   • Traceability
   • Improved Cleaning of complex devices
2. Operational Efficiency and Productivity
   • Increase throughout
   • Reduced turn-around-time
   • Optimised Inventory Management
3. Improved Working Conditions and Safety
   • Ergonomic Improvements
   • Reduced Exposure to Hazards
   • Enable staff to focus on High-Value Tasks
4. Cost Savings
   • Labour Efficiency
   • Lowered Operational Costs
   • Reduced Waste 

Although automation offers significant enhancements in efficiency and safety, it also comes with substantial hurdles and require careful evaluation. The key challenges include the followings:

• High initial costs
• Complex integration with existing systems
• Require specialised training and address skills gap
• Technical Failures and Maintenance
• Data Security and Privacy
• Space and Layout Constraints
• Compliance and Validation Requirements

Strategic Risk Mitigation

A phased implementation is adopted to facilitate testing, gradual staff training and minimising disruptions to surgical services, with contingency planning in place. Validation and testing of equipment are essential; and the facilities must be assessed for necessary upgrading to support automation.

<< Back to Programme