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Cultivating quality: reducing surgical site infections in children undergoing cardiac surgery

Patricia Galvin1

  • 1Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. patricia.galvin@childrens.harvard.edu

The American Journal of Nursing
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric nurses reduced surgical site infections (SSIs) in pediatric cardiac surgery patients by standardizing skin preparation and selecting effective antiseptic agents. This initiative improved patient outcomes and lowered infection rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Infection Control
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern in pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Standardizing protocols is crucial for effective infection prevention in operating rooms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reduce SSIs in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
  • To identify the most effective skin preparation agents for cardiac surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Initiative led by cardiovascular operating room nurses.
  • Standardization of skin preparation procedures.
  • Literature review and survey of pediatric surgery centers.

Main Results:

  • Successful recommendation and implementation of a practice change.
  • Demonstrated reduction in surgical site infection rates.
  • Improved patient outcomes observed post-intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized skin preparation and optimized antiseptic agent selection can effectively decrease SSIs in pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Nurse-led initiatives are vital for driving improvements in patient safety and surgical outcomes.

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