Surgical Instrument Reprocessing in Resource-Constrained Countries: A Scoping Review of Existing Methods, Policies, and Barriers

This study indicates that large gaps exist between instrument reprocessing practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and recommended policies/ procedures. Identified areas for improvement include instrument cleaning and decontamination, sterilization aspects of instrument reprocessing, and verification of sterilization. Education and training of staff responsible for reprocessing instruments and realistic, defined policies and procedures are critical, and lend themselves to improvement interventions.

Authors: Jared A. Forrester, Brittany Lynn Powell, Joseph D. Forrester, Christina Fast, and Thomas G. Weiser