title: An evidence-based process for evaluating infection control policies.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe evidence-based criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of policies for decontamination of noncritical equipment. An integrated literature review, guided by the Stetler Research Utilization Model and Bibb-Wanzer Identifying, Organizing, and Synthesizing strategy, provided the framework. A confirmatory search and document review process guided identification of documents and data extraction. Data synthesis was conducted using manifest content analysis. Five major criteria for disinfecting noncritical items were identified: use of personal protective equipment, removal of contamination, cleaning items before disinfecting, low-level disinfectant use, and following manufacturers' recommendations for disinfectants.
authors.affiliation: 115th Combat Support Hospital, Camp Bucca, Iraq.
authors.forename: Stacey S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Gregory L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.forename: Monique R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Courts
authors.forename: Linda J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Wanzer
authors.forename: Sandra C Garmon
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Bibb
mesh_terms: D001634:Bibliographies as Topic; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States