Can sterilization of disposable face masks be an alternative for imported face masks?: A nationwide field study including 19 sterilization departments and 471 imported brand types during COVID-19 shortages

Background<br/>Face masks, also referred to as half masks, are essential to protect healthcare professionals working in close contact with patients with COVID-19-related symptoms. Because of the Corona material shortages, healthcare institutions sought an approach to reuse face masks or to purchase new, imported masks. The filter quality of...

Assessment of laparoscopic instrument reprocessing in rural India: a mixed methods study

Background: Laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that uses long slender instruments that require much smaller incisions than conventional surgery. This leads to faster recovery times, fewer post-surgical wound infections and shorter hospital stays. For these reasons, laparoscopy could be particularly advantageous to patients...