Evaluation of the process of delivery and reception of medical devices between operating room and sterilization in a neurological institution

Sindy R. Damián-Segura, Escuela Superior de Enfermería No. 4, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero, México
E. Patricia Zamora-Ruiz, Servicio Central de Equipos y Esterilización, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México. México
Guisety López-Cantera, Coordinación de Investigación en Enfermería, Subdirección de Enfermería; Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México

Introduction: Quality and safety in surgical procedures largely depend on the proper handover of surgical instruments between the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and the operating room, ensuring their sterility, quantity, and functionality. Objective: To identify the main problems in the handover process of medical devices between nursing staff from the CSSD and the operating room in a neurological specialty institution. Method: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used (n = 21), including nurses assigned to the CSSD and operating room. A structured 10-item instrument was applied, previously validated through a pilot test. Results: Seventy-five percent of the staff reported problems always or frequently. In the CSSD, the main issues included disorganization in the catalog, traceability failures, and incorrect nomenclature (16.6%); in the operating room, lack of knowledge about the instruments (24.7%). The main improvement proposals were training (25%) and standardization of protocols (23%). Most participants expressed willingness to implement improvements (CSSD 76%, operating room 90%). Conclusions: There are deficiencies in interdepartmental communication, process standardization, and technical knowledge. It is suggested to provide staff training, unify protocols, and optimize logistics. Staff willingness supports the implementation of a comprehensive improvement plan.

Keywords: Surgical instruments. Central Supply and Sterilization Unit. Operating room. Nursery. Patient safety. Neurology.