Identifying sterilization practice gaps at five early implementation hospitals in Cambodia: An observational study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality improvement
• Medical device sterilization
• Infection prevention and control

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk, emphasizing the need for effective sterilization.
• Limited data exists on sterilization practices in lower-middle-income countries.
• This study addresses the need for quality improvement in sterilization processes in Cambodia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a data-driven approach for assessing sterilization processing practices in Cambodian hospitals.
• To identify specific gaps and barriers in current sterilization procedures.
• To lay the foundation for improving sterilization quality in the region.

Main Methods:

• Adapted evidence-based data collection tools for local use in five Cambodian hospitals.
• Multistakeholder hospital teams assessed sterilization environments and practices.
• Utilized team-based problem-solving to develop targeted action plans.

Main Results:

• Significant practice gaps were identified across instrument washing, inspection, packing, sterilization, and sterile storage.
• Environmental deficiencies included limited workflow separation and inadequate handwashing facilities.
• Hospital teams successfully developed data-informed action plans for immediate improvements.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based tools and indicators are practical for assessing sterilization practices.
• Local data collection empowers teams to address context-specific sterilization challenges.
• This approach offers a scalable model for enhancing sterilization quality in Cambodia and beyond.