Decontamination in Primary Care: Development and Implementation of a Quality Improvement Programme Using Audit

Abstract

The sterilisation of reusable medical devices has been performed in a variety of healthcare settings for decades. However, we have only recently considered the need to quality assure decontamination. This article describes the development and implementation of a decontamination quality improvement programme in primary care. The programme was designed to overcome barriers that often prevent the use of evidence in practice. Positive outcomes are described, and implications for practice are discussed.