Maintaining patient safety: surgical instruments and environment surface care

Background: The processing of surgical instruments and environmental surface cleaning/disinfection are crucial measures for preventing healthcare associated infection and maintaining patient safety. However, both practices involve complex interdependent step-by-step processes that, if not properly performed, may result in devices/surfaces remaining contaminated, which promotes biofilm formation, and threatens patient safety. Conclusion: Successful processing is multifactorial depending on infrastructure and work processes, and requires knowledge and training. We have shown how the various components of processing impact the safe supply of RSI. With technological advances, RSI management and processing must improve, otherwise, advanced non-cleanable technology becomes a risk to patients. Similarly, cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces and medical devices must evolve to prevent and/or remove pathogens from patient areas.