OBJECTIVES: to adapt and validate, by expert consensus, a set of indicators used to assess
the sterilization process of dental, medical and hospital supplies to be used in
PHC services. METHOD: qualitative methodological study performed in two stages. The first stage
included a focal group composed of experts to adapt the indicators to be used in
PHC. In the second stage, the indicators were validated using a 4-point Likert
scale, which was completed by judges. A Content Validity Index of ≥ 0.75 was
considered to show approval of the indicators. RESULTS: the adaptations implemented by the focal group mainly referred to the physical
structure, inclusion of dental care professionals, inclusion of chemical
disinfection, and replacement of the hot air and moist heat sterilization methods.
The validation stage resulted in an index of 0.96, which ranged from 0.90 to 1.00,
for the components of the indicators. CONCLUSION: the judges considered the indicators after adaptation to be validated. Even
though there may be differences among items processed around the world, there
certainly are common characteristics, especially in countries with economic and
cultural environments similar to Brazil. The inclusion of these indicators to
assess the safety of healthcare supplies used in PHC services should be
considered.