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Study supports surgical site infection prevention need

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, March 3, 2005

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A study published by the Archives of Surgery reinforces the need for facilities to address infection risk factors.

"Researchers found that only a little more than half of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing major surgery received antibiotics in the hour before incision," the American Health Quality Association (AHQA) says, of the study, in a statement on its Web site. Failure to administer antibiotics in the appropriate timeframe can lead to surgical site infections (SSIs). Consequently, SSIs can result in patient injury, mortality, and rising healthcare costs.

"Our study reveals a huge opportunity for hospitals to reduce the human and financial costs of surgical infections," says Dale Bratzler, president of the AHQA and lead author of the study titled "Use of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Major Surgery: Baseline Results From the National Surgical Infection Prevention Project."

"The effectiveness of antimicrobials administered shortly before skin incision for the prevention of Surgical Site Infections was established in the 1960s and has been repeatedly demonstrated since. However, despite evidence of effectiveness...use is often suboptimal," according the study.

The AHQA reports that for the past two years, several hundred hospitals have worked to improve clinical processes to ensure that surgical patients are given the necessary antibiotics in the hour before incision. These hospitals have worked with various Medical Quality Improvement Organizations to redesign procedures to help prevent SSIs.

To view the abstract of the study, click here.

Visit the AHQA by clicking here.

To view a list of state quality improvement organizations, click here.

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