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Summary
This study found that clean surgical wound infection rates (1.5%) are better indicators of infection control than overall rates (4.7%). Preoperative patient showering and avoiding shaving the surgical site significantly reduced infection rates.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Infection Prevention
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant concern in healthcare settings.
- Accurate assessment of infection rates is crucial for evaluating infection control strategies.
- Identifying factors influencing SSIs is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of surgical wound infections over a 10-year period.
- To identify factors influencing surgical wound infection rates.
- To evaluate the utility of clean wound infection rates as an indicator of infection control.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of surgical wounds at Foothills Hospital over 10 years.
- Data collection on infection rates and potential influencing factors.
- Statistical analysis to assess the significance of various factors on infection rates.
Main Results:
- Overall surgical wound infection rate was 4.7%; clean wound infection rate was 1.5%.
- Clean wound infection rate proved a more sensitive indicator of infection control.
- Endogenous contamination was a more significant cause of infection than exogenous.
- Preoperative antiseptic showering and not shaving the operative site reduced clean wound infections.
- Advanced age, prolonged preoperative hospitalization, and long operations increased infection risk.
Conclusions:
- Focusing on clean wound infection rates provides a more accurate measure of infection control effectiveness.
- Preoperative protocols like antiseptic showering and avoiding surgical site shaving are effective in reducing SSIs.
- Patient factors and surgical procedure length are critical considerations in preventing surgical site infections.