Auerbach (2001) found that, in Western countries including Canada, 2–5% of clean cases and up to 20% of intra-abdominal surgeries will develop a surgical site infection. According to Kirkland et al. (1999), infected surgical patients are twice as likely to die, spend 60% more time in the intensive care unit, and are five times more likely to be readmitted to hospital after initial discharge.

Let’s take action.

Reduce SSIs with these four components of care:

• Perioperative antimicrobial coverage
• Appropriate hair removal
• Maintenance of perioperative glucose control
• Perioperative normothermia

Download the Getting Started Kit to learn more. 

It’s easy to get involved

• Enrol in Safer Healthcare Now!
• Update your enrolment to show us what you’re working on.
• Measure your results.
• Join the Communities of Practice