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Sterilization of instruments in general practice: what does it entail?
K W Allen1, H Humphreys, R F Sims-Williams
1Barnsley Health Authority.
Public Health
|March 1, 1997
Summary
General practitioners show interest in minor surgeries, but knowledge of sterilization is lacking. Use of benchtop sterilisers is suboptimal, indicating a need for improved primary care education and accreditation for surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Infection Control
- Primary Care
Background:
- Growing interest among general practitioners (GPs) in performing minor surgical procedures.
- Uncertainty regarding available resources and knowledge of sterilization practices in primary care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of knowledge regarding sterilization techniques among GPs.
- To evaluate the utilization and maintenance of benchtop sterilisers in general practices.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire was distributed to 883 general practices in the Trent Regional Health Authority.
- A response rate of 49% was achieved, with data analyzed on sterilization knowledge and equipment use.
Main Results:
- 86% of practices performed minor surgical procedures, but less than 50% understood sterilization.
- Only 28% considered floor disinfection necessary, and 13% had misconceptions about glutaraldehyde use.
- 93% owned a benchtop steriliser, but only 25% kept a logbook, and 33% had annual servicing.
Conclusions:
- The concept of sterilization is poorly understood in Trent general practices.
- Benchtop steriliser usage is suboptimal, highlighting the need for ongoing staff education and potential accreditation systems.