Surgical Site Infections
Why this measure is important:
- Surgical site infections have been tied to a number of complications for patients. Among these are extended hospitals stays, a greater likelihood of spending time in an intensive care unit (ICU), and an increase in the likelihood of being readmitted to the hospital. These complications expose patients to additional hardships and increased costs.
- Research has shown that proper administration of antibiotics can help prevent infections
How we measure:
The number of surgical cases per 100 trips to the operating room (procedure days) where patient developed an infection following surgery.
* Denotes chart annotations, including: specific improvement interventions, definition and / or other specification changes
What we are doing to improve:
- Enhancing reliable systems for ordering and administering of antibiotics
- Building multiple safeguards into the operating room systems to ensure right drug, right dose and right time
- Involving parents and caregivers in the prevention processes. For example, for surgeries that have an high risk of infections, parents or caregivers are asked to give the child an antibacterial bath or shower the day before surgery
- Participation in the Ohio Children's Hospitals Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) project. Visit the SPS website. This project has as one of their focus areas the reduction of surgical site infection. The project uses a collaborative model and data sharing to create learning opportunities and accelerate improvement.
View the Operational Definition: Surgical Site Infections
