Effect of quality control circle activities on the damage rate of endoscopic surgical instruments: A before-and-after...

Endoscopic instruments are vulnerable to structural damage due to frequent reuse. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of quality control circle (QCC) activities in reducing instrument damage. A multidisciplinary QCC team was established to implement interventions including enhanced staff training, standardized maintenance protocols, and peer-reviewed inspections. Instrument damage rates were compared before and after the intervention using chi-square analysis. The damage rate declined significantly from 2.33% to 0.27% (P <.001). Common issues such as missing parts and assembly confusion were markedly reduced, achieving a target improvement rate of 137.33%. Implementation of QCC activities in instrument management effectively reduced equipment damage, improved workflow, and enhanced patient safety. These findings suggest that QCC methods have potential for broader application in hospital quality-improvement initiatives.