Reducing surgical site infections through a multidisciplinary computerized process for preoperative prophylactic...

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Surgical Safety
• Antibiotic Stewardship

Background:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of postoperative complications.
• Preventable with preoperative antibiotics, but administration is often suboptimal.
• Current practices lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the administration of prophylactic antibiotics before surgery.
• To reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.
• To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team reviewed guidelines and addressed antibiotic administration.
• Responsibility for antibiotic administration was reassigned to anesthetists.
• Electronic quick orders were implemented to streamline antibiotic selection and ordering.

Main Results:

• Timely antibiotic administration increased from 51% to 98%.
• Appropriate antibiotic use rose from 78% to 94%.
• Clean wound infection rates decreased from 2.7% to 1.4%.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary strategy enhances appropriate prophylactic antibiotic use.
• Computer-guided decision support facilitates adherence to guidelines.
• This approach significantly reduces surgical wound infections.