Evaluation of Medical Equipment Sterilization Practices in the Operating Room of the Essos Hospital Center (CHE)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhmnp.3721Keywords:
Sterilization, Surgical Devices, Operating Room, Patient Safety, Healthcare-Associated InfectionsAbstract
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the sterilization practices of surgical equipment in the operating room of the Essos Hospital Center (CHE) in Yaoundé, in order to identify the level of compliance with international standards, potential shortcomings, and avenues for improvement to strengthen the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and ensure patient safety.
Methodology: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the CHE operating room between May 2 and June 2, 2025. Data were collected through direct observation of sterilization practices and the medical device processing circuit using an observation grid developed based on international sterilization recommendations. The evaluation covered the various stages of the process, from pre-disinfection to the sterilization of surgical equipment.
Findings: During the study period, 127 surgical interventions and 48 sterilization cycles were observed. Pressurized steam sterilization via an autoclave was the primary method utilized. Pre-disinfection was performed in 90% of cases, but the recommended soaking time was adhered to in only 16.66% of situations. The cleaning of medical devices was exclusively manual in 100% of cases, with cleanliness control performed in 60% of situations. Instrument drying was compliant in 75% of cases. However, several non-conformities were observed, notably the complete absence of personal protective equipment usage (0%), the lack of cleaning for unused containers and instruments (0%), and the absence of cleanliness, dryness, and functionality controls on devices prior to packaging (0%). Conversely, certain compliant practices were noted, such as the systematic use of sterilization indicators and the execution of double wrapping (100%).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study provides empirical data on sterilization practices in a referral hospital in Cameroon and highlights the discrepancies between observed practices and international recommendations. The findings underscore the need to enhance staff training, improve the availability of protective equipment, and implement standardized protocols to elevate the quality of the sterilization process and the safety of surgical care.
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