Barry Pickrem: Setting the gold standard in medical device reprocessing

For Barry Pickrem, a typical day in medical device reprocessing (MDR) begins with a team huddle or daily report, where information about patient safety, daily priorities and reprocessing standards are discussed. Together, the team utilizes critical analysis to address problems that may arise and reduce risk to patients and staff.

The MDR departments across the province play a vital role in supporting patient and staff safety and ensuring the tools and instruments necessary for surgery are sterilized, quality-tested and in proper working condition. Part of this assurance comes from national standards for medical device reprocessing and instructions from device manufactures that technicians follow with precision before surgical instruments can be assembled and packaged to support patient care.

“Medical devices are sterilized using a variety of proven sterilization methods such as steam or vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Once sterile, medical devices are safely transported to operating rooms and the many clinics that MDR services. Once the medical device arrives back to MDR after use in a surgery or procedure, the device reprocessing begins again. "The process is comparable to the tides going out and coming in,” said Pickrem.

Pickrem began his journey in MDR in 2007 and became a certified medical device processing technician (MDRT) in 2011.

“While working as a stores clerk at the Victoria General Hospital site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre, I enjoyed my interaction with MDR. I was able to observe their processes and was fascinated, which led me to join the team," said Pickrem.

He continued his education and was the first MDRT in Nova Scotia to hold what is known as the Triple Crown meaning he is certified as a registered central service technician, endoscope reprocessor and instrument specialist. He went on to achieve the first Golden Crown MDRT certification in Nova Scotia by completing the Certified Healthcare Leadership program.

Pickrem’s professional journey and continued learning certifies his commitment to supporting patient outcomes. Though the work of MDRTs is labour intensive and challenging, Pickrem takes ownership of his role and how it connects to patients every day.

“I see firsthand my initials on packaging of medical devices that will or already have had a positive impact on our patients. My values and beliefs are aligned with MDR's professional philosophy and belief that every patient deserves and expects a safe surgery – every device, every patient and every time,” said Pickrem. “Our philosophy is to process each medical device as if it is going to be used on a loved one.”

Barry Pickrem was invited to participate in a live educational webcast “Fast Forward 2022: Microcredential Graduates Tell-All Panel Discussion” on Beyond Clean’s 1 day workshop on May 20, 2022. Click to listen to and/or watch the webcast.