Prevention of orthopaedic wound infections: a quality improvement project

Using clinical practice improvement methodology, a project was undertaken to reduce the incidence of surgical wound infections following elective hip and knee replacement surgery. A team was established, key measures for improvement were identified, strategies for change were developed and an action plan was implemented. Outcomes for this project included a reduction in the rate of clean surgical wound infection for joint replacement surgery from 28% to zero. Average length of stay for total hip replacement surgery was reduced from 13.9 to 9.3 days and from 14.6 to 10.4 days for total knee replacement surgery. Guidelines for patient selection were developed along with a protocol for the management of preparation to prevent urinary tract infections. Post-discharge surveillance and a preoperative rehabilitation and exercise programme have been implemented. There is potential for wider uptake and implementation of the quality principles described herein.