Achieving consensus on the curriculum system for central sterile supply department nurses: a modified Delphi study.

In a modified Delphi study published in 2026 by Frontiers in Medicine, a consensus was reached on the curriculum system for Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) nurses. The study aimed to provide a standardized and comprehensive education program for CSSD nurses, ensuring competency in sterilization, disinfection, quality assurance, and management of surgical instruments.

The research involved 28 experts, including nurse educators, clinical specialists, and representatives from professional organizations such as the Association for the Advailability of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and International Society of Decontamination in Healthcare (ISPD). Over three rounds of questionnaires, participants were asked to rate the importance and feasibility of various topics to be included in the CSSD nurse curriculum.

The final consensus curriculum consisted of 92 core competencies, grouped into nine main categories: Sterilization Processes, Disinfection and Cleaning, Quality Assurance, Surgical Instruments Management, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Regulatory and Policy Compliance, Leadership and Management, Communication Skills, and Professional Development.

The study also emphasized the importance of incorporating hands-on training, simulation exercises, and continuous education in the curriculum to ensure practical competency alongside theoretical knowledge. The curriculum is intended to be adaptable to various educational settings, from hospital CSSDs to dental clinics and endoscopy units.