RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In most Tunisian hospitals, medical devices (MD) are sterilized at surgical or medicine departments. AIM: to overview during one month the practice of sterilization. aterial METHODS: An audit of practices through direct observation was carried out at the neonatology and gynaecology departments at the Maternity and Neonatology Center of Tunis and the surgical department at the Salah Azaïz Institute. An assessment grid has been defined and the non-compliance rates have been calculated. A score has been drawn for four evaluation categories of MD treatment. 123 criteria were assessed. RESULTS: The level of non-compliance ranges from 53% to 62% depending on the department. Scores interpretation underlines that the present situation is behind the required level of safety. Traceability stands at the most critical position. Staff and environment safety present scores of 26/54 and 28/62 respectively for the Maternity and Neonatology Center of Tunis and the Salah Azaïz Institute. The less critical situation is that of patient safety, even if it is far below the expected level. CONCLUSION: This audit has highlighted major malfunctions in the sterilization process. This is related to the absence of a strict regulation. A corrective action plan has been implemented for the short, medium and long terms.