Project Lead(s): Olive Fast
Issue
According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of post-operative infection in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been documented at 15.5 per 100 patients, significantly higher than European and U.S. averages.
Neonatal infection rates are 3 to 20 times higher than in industrialized nations.
Up to two-thirds of patients who undergo operations in LMICs are affected by surgical site infections.
Preventing post-operative infections through the proper sterilization of instruments is a challenge in low- and middle-income countries, due to inadequate equipment and unsterile techniques, compounded by a lack of training in instrument reprocessing practices.
Solution
In Madagascar, Sterile Processing Education Charitable Trust (SPECT), in collaboration with Mercy Ships Canada and Mercy Ships International, introduced an innovative, low-cost method to sterilize medical devices for hospitals and clinics lacking the capacity to sterilize.
This method, referred to as the ‘Sterilizer,’ included a multi-compartment instrument basket and pressure cooker.
A non-electrical heating source was also provided as part of the project.
In parallel with distribution of the equipment, the team also provided hands-on training in the safe use of the Sterilizer.
Twenty-seven Sterilizers and heating sources were distributed, nine to clinics in and around Antananarivo and 17 to Antsirabe area clinics. One was presented to Madagascar’s leading dental hospital as an emergency backup.
Classroom education sessions were provided to hospitals and clinics on the theory of sterilization, and the processes involved to ensure effective sterilization. This education was followed up with workplace mentorship and consultation.
Outcome
Provision of the Sterilizer and heat source, where needed, as well as sterile processing education and mentoring, which includes job creation and small business development in the manufacturing of the Sterilizer, will make access to sterile instruments a common feature in healthcare environments.
To the best of their knowledge, the research team believes the instrument basket they produced to be the first of its kind.
When coupled with the pressure cooker and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, repeated tests confirmed that the unit consistently reached acceptable sterilization temperatures and pressure requirements.
The team intends to apply for Phase II Transition To Scale funding to further validate their innovation.
