Prevention of surgical site infection

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common healthcare-associated infection that can cause patients extreme pain and discomfort, resulting in prolonged hospitalisation and additional costs to the NHS. Multidisciplinary team working, combined with audit and surveillance, early recognition of signs and symptoms of infection, and implementation of evidence-based guidance are essential for reducing the incidence of SSI. Nurses caring for patients in the pre, peri and post-operative period have an important role in advising individuals about the risks associated with SSI and how infection should be managed.