Hospital uses team approach to improve processes, reduce costs.

This article describes a group process and how it was used to reduce reprocessing turnover time and increase the availability of sterilized instruments. A team of staff members used the "Seven Steps to Quality" and an event-related sterility maintenance program, thereby improving patient care and reducing costs. With a defined process, the team members' expertise, and clearly defined objectives and goals, the team was able to complete its work and implement a substantial change in a short amount of time.