Original Article
Analysis of the handling of ophthalmic surgical instruments in hospitals
Abstract
Background: We investigated the procedures used by medical institutions in Guangdong Province for reprocessing ophthalmic surgical instruments and analyzed the problems identified in order to improve the quality of cleaning medical instruments and its management.
Methods: The reprocessing of ophthalmic surgical instruments was investigated in 72 hospitals in Guangdong Province using a questionnaire designed for this purpose.
Results: Ophthalmic surgical instruments underwent centralized reprocessing in the disinfection and supply centers in 50% of the 72 hospitals. Cataract phacoemulsification surgery was the main ophthalmic surgery performed in 94% of the 72 hospitals. The main reasons for using centralized reprocessing were an insufficient supply of ophthalmic surgical instruments, short turnaround times between surgeries, and the high cost of losing these precise and fragile instruments. Manual processing was the predominant method of reprocessing ophthalmic surgical instruments; enzyme detergents were used in 63.89% of the hospitals; and 48.61% of the hospitals used N-model small pressure-steam sterilizers for the ophthalmic surgical instruments.
Conclusions: In order to improve the quality and management of the cleaning of medical instruments, and guarantee high-quality medical care, the following measures are recommended. Centralized management of ophthalmic surgical instruments should be based on the instruments’ characteristics. Pay more attention to reprocessing site locations and staff training. Choose detergents based on manufacturers’ instructions for use with specific instruments. Increase the number of available ophthalmic instruments in accordance with their demand and select appropriate small pressure-steam sterilizers.
Methods: The reprocessing of ophthalmic surgical instruments was investigated in 72 hospitals in Guangdong Province using a questionnaire designed for this purpose.
Results: Ophthalmic surgical instruments underwent centralized reprocessing in the disinfection and supply centers in 50% of the 72 hospitals. Cataract phacoemulsification surgery was the main ophthalmic surgery performed in 94% of the 72 hospitals. The main reasons for using centralized reprocessing were an insufficient supply of ophthalmic surgical instruments, short turnaround times between surgeries, and the high cost of losing these precise and fragile instruments. Manual processing was the predominant method of reprocessing ophthalmic surgical instruments; enzyme detergents were used in 63.89% of the hospitals; and 48.61% of the hospitals used N-model small pressure-steam sterilizers for the ophthalmic surgical instruments.
Conclusions: In order to improve the quality and management of the cleaning of medical instruments, and guarantee high-quality medical care, the following measures are recommended. Centralized management of ophthalmic surgical instruments should be based on the instruments’ characteristics. Pay more attention to reprocessing site locations and staff training. Choose detergents based on manufacturers’ instructions for use with specific instruments. Increase the number of available ophthalmic instruments in accordance with their demand and select appropriate small pressure-steam sterilizers.
