4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 9
W
here are we with surgical site infections today? Your atten-
tion to detail while prepping skin, cleaning environmental
surfaces and reprocessing instruments has significantly
lowered SSI rates in recent years, but we've still got plenty of work
left to do before every patient leaves the OR with nothing more than a
healing scar.
Peer-reviewed studies report average infection rates in inpatient
ORs of 2% to 4%. A study published this year involving 665 ASCs
reports infections represented 3% of all adverse events
Inching Closer to Zero
Innovation and collaboration will help eliminate preventable SSIs.
On Point
Sue Barnes, RN, CIC, FAPIC
• HANDS IN Work with your staff to expand their infection prevention efforts beyond basic practices.
