Protocol for developing a surveillance system for surgical site infections

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant global health concern, disproportionately affecting developing nations.
• The absence of national surveillance systems in low-middle income countries hinders effective HAI prevention planning and resource allocation.
• Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a substantial burden, contributing to morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, increased antimicrobial use, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the establishment of a surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance protocol.
• To address the need for reliable HAI surveillance systems in resource-limited settings.
• To provide a framework for developing indigenous preventive measures tailored to national priorities.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of an SSI surveillance protocol.
• Focus on a level-1 trauma center in North India.
• Data collection and analysis for identifying SSI burden and risk factors.

Main Results:

• The manuscript outlines the process of establishing an SSI surveillance protocol.
• Highlights the importance of surveillance in identifying high-priority areas for intervention.
• Emphasizes the role of surveillance in recognizing problems and targeting modifiable risk factors for SSIs.

Conclusions:

• Establishing reliable HAI surveillance systems is imperative for accurate burden estimation.
• Surveillance data are crucial for developing effective, country-specific preventive strategies.
• Implementing targeted surveillance protocols can help reduce the impact of HAIs, particularly SSIs.