EP.TH.955Surgical site Infection prevention Bundle- One Centres Experience

Abstract

Aim Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) affects the patient’s recovery following surgery. Within Wales the colorectal SSI rate for both emergency and elective patients is 13%, as per a prospective all Wales observational study. The study further demonstrated that elective colorectal SSI rate was 21.1%. In light of this, a single centre within Wales developed and implemented an SSI bundle to help prevent SSIs. Methods A bundle was designed based on the WHO and CDCs guidelines and was agreed on by all colorectal consultants within the centre. There were 3 elements to the bundle – pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative. The bundle was implemented for 50 elective colorectal patients to assess its feasibility and effectiveness. Results 50 patients had the SSI bundle from 1 st November to 20 th December 2019. Compliance with the bundle was assessed and the resultant SSI rate improved by 40% with an SSI rate of 20% in this centre reducing to 12%. Further analysis of the SSIs that developed demonstrated that 2 were secondary to intra-abdominal complications and the other 4 failed to have all elements of the bundle implemented. Conclusion An SSI bundle can by effectively implemented and become standard care for colorectal patients to effectively reduce the SSI rate.