Chasing zero: our journey to preventing surgical site infection

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Healthcare Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• An increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections was identified at a healthcare facility.
• Surgical site infections (SSIs) posed a significant challenge, necessitating an investigation into the root causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors contributing to the rise in MRSA and SSIs.
• To implement and evaluate interventions aimed at eliminating SSIs within the facility.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team was assembled to address the infection outbreak.
• Investigations included environmental assessments and reinforcement of sterile techniques through inservice sessions.
• Changes were implemented in the facility's culture to prioritize infection prevention.

Main Results:

• The interventions were implemented on October 30, 2008.
• Following the implementation, only one surgical site infection was recorded over the subsequent seven months.
• This indicates a substantial reduction in SSIs post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy is effective in reducing MRSA and SSIs.
• Addressing environmental, procedural, and cultural factors is crucial for successful infection control.
• Sustained vigilance and targeted interventions can lead to significant improvements in patient safety.