Sterile Processing Technicians Keep Each Other Accountable

The Real Sterile Processing Technicians Epidemic: MMOB 

The real epidemic in many sterile processing departments (SPD) isn’t the flu or measles. It’s something far more dangerous — MMOB: “Mind My Own Business.”

This socially accepted mindset may seem harmless in casual settings. However, in sterile processing environments where precision and safety are non-negotiable, MMOB is a threat. For sterile processing technicians, silence is not golden — it can be deadly. As a result, sterile processing departments must reject MMOB culture to create safe, high-functioning work environments. Learn more about infection prevention in SPD at ASSI.

Why Silence Hurts Patients 

In many SPDs, an unspoken rule exists: “Don’t be a tattletale.” This leads team members to ignore serious missteps — like skipping lumen brushing, falsifying load card entries, or improperly assembling trays. Often, this isn’t due to carelessness. Instead, it’s because speaking up is culturally discouraged.

You may recognize MMOB culture in your department if you’ve seen these behaviors:

• Turning a blind eye to poor practices
• Relying on supervisors to catch mistakes

• Avoiding conflict due to fear or past experiences

When these habits take hold, sterile processing technicians become isolated. Rather than working as a team, they function in silos. As a result, patient risk increases, audits fail, and burnout spreads quickly.

Creating a Culture of Accountability 

The solution lies in culture change. SPDs must replace fear with accountability and swap judgment for education.

Here’s how you can begin:

• Normalize peer feedback
  Encourage technicians to speak up when they see incorrect practices. Not to criticize, but to protect patient safety.
• Model leadership behavior
  Supervisors should promote real-time corrections without immediately turning to discipline. Emphasize just-in-time training instead.
• Educate before you escalate
  Always investigate before blaming. For example, does the technician have the right tools? Have they been trained recently? Tools like the CRCST certification ensure a strong baseline of knowledge.
• Share responsibility
  Every sterile processing technician is a guardian of sterility. Promote a team mindset. When one person makes a mistake, the entire department shares the responsibility — and the consequences.

Sterile Processing Technicians: You Are Your Brother’s Keeper 

When sterile processing technicians look out for each other, they protect every patient relying on clean, sterile instruments. This isn’t about tattling. It’s about care. It’s about making sure every clamp, every scope, and every scalpel is prepared with integrity. Accountability isn’t personal — it’s professional.

In the end, we are all in this together. And together, we protect lives.

For Further Reading and Resources: 

• Sterile Processing Certification: HSPA CRCST 
• AAMI Resources on Sterilization Standards 
• APIC – Infection Prevention in Sterile Processing 
• Beyond Clean Education