KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS considers the latest updates to guidance and best practice regarding surveillance, prevention and control of surgical site infection.
Surgical site Infections (SSIs) are defined as infections occurring up to 30 days after surgery, or up to a year in patients who have implants which affect either the incision, or deep tissue at the surgical site. The infections can be superficial or deep incisional infections or more seriously in organs or body spaces. In addition to increased morbidity and mortality, SSI affects the length of hospital stay and consequently healthcare costs. A point prevalence survey undertaken in Europe during 2010, found that across 66 participating hospitals in 23 countries, that 7.1% of patients had a healthcareassociated infection (HCAI). Of those reported, SSI was the second most commonly identified infection at 18.9%.1
The Health Protection Agency, which has now become part of Public Health England reported its most recent data in a report in December 2013.2 The report summarised data collected on SSI, gathered by NHS Hospitals and Independent Sector NHS Treatment Centres in England participating in one of 17 surgical categories of surveillance between April 2004 and March 2013. Results include the mandatory reporting by orthopaedic units of HCAIs, which was introduced in April 2004.
Risk factors for SSIs
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