Connaissances et pratiques des étapes préalables à la stérilisation des dispositifs médicaux thermorésistants : Etude au Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Sahloul, Sousse-Tunisie - 2022

OBJECTIVES

The standard process of central sterilization is crucial for the optimal functioning of the operating room. The outcome of this process is closely linked to the steps preceding the steps prior to the sterilization step itself. These steps include pre-disinfection carried out in the operating rooms and other stages, namely washing, drying and packaging, which must be performed in the central sterilization unit. In this context, this study aimed to describe the knowledge of the staff in the operating rooms and the central sterilization unit at Sahloul University Hospital in Sousse (Tunisia) in 2022, regarding the steps prior to the sterilization of reusable thermoresistant medical devices and to describe their practices in terms of compliance with these steps.

METHOD

A descriptive study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 with the aforementioned staff, using a self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge of the pre-sterilization steps and a direct observation audit of their practices with regard to these steps. Both measurement instruments were pre-tested.

RESULTS

Out of 102 self-administered questionnaires (knowledge assessment) distributed to the staff concerned, only 80 were returned and correctly filled out, giving a response rate of 78.4%. Participants' responses regarding the order of steps prior to the sterilization were incorrect in 64% of cases. With regard to the evaluation of professional practices, 224 observations were made in the study area (practice audit). In 82% of these observations, the pre-disinfection step was confused with the washing step. The use of Betadine brushes and scrubbing pads for device washing was noted in 89.3%, along with the absence of swabbing of the canals and hollow parts in 9.4% of cases and the absence of drying of the canals with compressed air.

CONCLUSION

Mastery of the steps prior to sterilisation of reusable thermoresistant medical devices was insufficient in our institution, suggesting the importance of reinforcing the implementation of the procedure through a continuous training program followed by action plans.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on fuel oxidation during exercise in trained male rugby players

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on substrate oxidation in trained athletes during moderate-intensity exercise.

METHODS

Nine trained men (age: 19+/-2 yr, Height: 1.78+/-0.74 m) were tested on three occasions: during a control period immediately before Ramadan (C), at the end of the first week (Beg-R), and during the fourth week of Ramadan (End-R). On each occasion, they performed submaximal cycle ergometer exercise, with work-rates that were increased progressively (loadings corresponding to 20, 30, 40, 50, 60% of Wmax). Steady-state substrate oxidation was evaluated by indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Participants showed significant decreases in body mass and body fat at the end of Ramadan, relative to initial control values (P<0.001). The daily food intake was also reduced during Ramadan (P<0.01). Haemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit were significantly higher at the end-Ramadan, both at rest (P<0.001 and P<0.0001 respectively) and after exercise, (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) compared to control measurements made before Ramadan. At the end of Ramadan, our subjects had increased their fat utilization during exercise. The cross-over was observed at a higher intensity at the End-R (35% vs. 30% of Wmax, P<0.001). For the same power output, the Lipox max was also higher at the End-R, compared to control value (265+/-38 vs. 199.1+/-20 mg/min, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Ramadan fasting increases the lipid oxidation of trained athletes during submaximal exercise. The increased fat utilisation may be related to decreases in body mass and body fat content.