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Researchers detail ways to reduce surgical site infections
Infection Control Monitor, May 20, 2004
A systematic approach to preparing patients for surgery can reduce both secondary, hospital-associated patient infections and related healthcare expenses nationwide, a recent study found.
Lawton A. Seal, Ph.D., S.M., and Deborah Paul-Cheadle, RN, CIC, authored the study, published in the April 2004 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
The paper examines preventative measures that address the growing problem of surgical site infections (SSI), which account for about 500,000 hospital-associated infections in the U.S. each year. Skin asepsis technology cannot eliminate deaths from such infections, but the study found that using a systems approach can help prevent infections. Such an approach may include the addition of an antiseptic bath or shower 24 hours before using a preoperative skin solution on the surgical site before surgery.
SSIs cost hospitals more than $1.5 billion in additional medical treatment each year. Patient stays increase 20-fold and costs quintuple when SSIs occur during the surgical recovery process.
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