Bundle Implementation to Prevent Surgical Site Infections – A Study of SRN Hospitals

This project assessed use of processes related to the implementation of SSI prevention bundles in colorectal surgery. The mean volume of colorectal surgeries per year was 377 (median 400). Individual elements of SSI prevention bundle reported as consistently used in most surgeries. There were no significant differences between hospitals with high vs. low volume (cut-off 400 surgeries), except for wound protectors or retractors were more likely to be used in high-volume hospitals (P = 0.047). A formal process for auditing adherence was reported by 71% of respondents for antibiotic prophylaxis, and 51% for skin prep, with the remaining elements audited < 50% of the time. Feedback of audited adherence to surgeons occurred < 50% of the time for all bundle elements, except antibiotic prophylaxis (59%). The authors conclude that implementation of guideline-recommended colorectal SSI prevention bundles remains highly variable and recommend further research to develop strategies that optimize implementation and adherence is needed.

Pop-Vicas A, Zimbric M, Schmitz M, Hatas G, Safdar N. Bundle Implementation to Prevent Surgical Site Infections – A Study of SRN Hospitals. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology. 2024;4(S1):s143-s144. doi:10.1017/ash.2024.318