[Optimization of the reprocessing of medical devices in primary care centers]

Reprocessing of medical devices in Primary Care Centers (PCC) can be a source of infections. The aim of this study was to improve the quality of reprocessing devices in the PCCs of Area VII-Murcia/Este through an improvement cycle.

This prospective intervention study. was carried out in 12 PCC, 14 Local Clinics (LC), 4 Oral Health Units (OHU) and the professionals involved in the reprocessing. Between 09/2022-03/2023, a working group was created, and a situation analysis was carried out: inventory of autoclaves, consumption of materials, and visits to the PCCs. Between 04/2023-03/2024, improvement actions were implemented: purchasing plan, use of Chemical Indicators (CHI) and Biological Indicators (BI), training with prior knowledge surveys, work procedure, and processes traceability.

In total 11 autoclaves were acquired. The percentage of BI completion was ≥ 45%, and 80% of professionals were trained. The following improvements were obtained: detergent technical data sheet in the washing Area (45% to 73%), sterilization dates traceability (10% to 78%), sterilization cycles traceability (11% to 66%), use of instrument brush (55% to 74%), bag labeling (45% to 68%), correct storage (45% to 78%), and use of tap water to generate steam (2% to 0%).

The implementation of an improvement cycle, through the training of professionals, standardization of procedures, and traceability of processes, in addition to having an expert nurse as a reference, increases the quality in the reprocessing of medical devices.