Topical antibiotics to prevent surgical site infection after minor surgery in primary care
Clare Heal1, Phoebe Lepper1, Jennifer Banks1
1James Cook University, Mackay Base Hospital, Mackay, Australia.
Background:
Surgical site infection (SSI) after minor surgery in primary care can compromise cosmetic outcomes, delay wound healing and increase costs. In addition to efficacy, adverse effects must be considered when considering antibiotic prophylaxis. There is no prior published literature regarding the proportion of general practitioners (GPs) who use topical antibiotics as SSI prophylaxis following minor surgery.
Objectives:
To identify the proportion of GPs in a regional center in Queensland, Australia who apply topical antibiotics to wounds prevent SSIs after minor surgery.
Method:
A database of 90 GPs was established, and they were invited to complete a questionnaire.
Results:
The response rate was 62% (56/90). Topical antibiotics prophylaxis was reported as being used always or sometimes in routine practice by 18% (10/56) of participants after both skin lesion excision and repair of lacerations. In the context of high-risk situations, on the other hand, use was higher. They were more likely to be used in high-risk situations, most frequently in diabetic patients (41.0% [23/56]) and immunocompromised patients (46.5% [26/56]).
Conclusions:
Evidence-based prescribing of antibiotics is vital. Topical antibiotic prophylaxis is often prescribed excessively after clean dermatological surgery, however, in our sample of GPs, only 18% used topical antibiotics always or sometimes in their practice.
Insights
Only 18% of general practitioners (GPs) in Queensland, Australia, regularly use topical antibiotics for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention after minor surgery. Use increases in high-risk patients, highlighting varied prophylaxis practices.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Dermatological Surgery
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) post-minor surgery impact healing and costs.
- Adverse effects of antibiotic prophylaxis require careful consideration.
- Limited data exists on topical antibiotic use by general practitioners (GPs) for SSI prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of GPs using topical antibiotics for SSI prophylaxis after minor surgery.
- Focus on a regional center in Queensland, Australia.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to a database of 90 GPs.
- A 62% response rate was achieved (56 participants).
Main Results:
- 18% of GPs reported using topical antibiotics always or sometimes for minor surgery.
- Usage was higher in high-risk situations, such as for diabetic (41%) and immunocompromised (46.5%) patients.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based antibiotic prescribing is crucial.
- Topical antibiotic prophylaxis appears overused in some clean dermatological surgery contexts.
- The study found limited routine use of topical antibiotics by GPs for SSI prevention in their practice.
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