Sterile processing in low- and middle-income countries: an integrative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Worldwide disparities in surgical capacity are a significant contributor to health inequalities. Safe surgery and infection prevention and control depend on effective sterile processing (SP) of surgical instruments; however, little is known about SP in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where surgical site infection is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Aim

To appraise and synthesise available evidence on SP in LMICs.

Methods

An integrative review of research literature was conducted on SP in LMICs published between 2010 and 2020. Studies were appraised and synthesised to identify challenges and opportunities in practice and research.

Results

Eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. Challenges t

SUBMITTER: Cuncannon A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7841710 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature