Reducing Surgical Site Infections in Neurosurgery During the Intra-operative Phase: An Audit of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline Adherence at a Major Trauma Centre

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose significant risks to patient safety and healthcare systems globally despite preventive measures. This study audits compliance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for SSI prevention during the intra-operative phase in the Neurosurgery Department at Salford Royal National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust. Conducted in two audit cycles from October 2022 to October 2023, the study assessed adherence to 19 key parameters aimed at minimising SSIs. Significant improvements were observed in various areas, including antibiotic prophylaxis information (from 44% to 90%) and bodywash compliance (from 14% to 80%). Compliance with skin preparation protocols also showed marked progress, with antiseptic application time improving from 12% to 80%. However, areas such as double gloving (increased from 36% to 44%) and the use of antimicrobial sutures (from 2% to 30%) indicate opportunities for further enhancement. The findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted interventions and the importance of continuous education and evaluation of surgical practices to reduce SSIs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and alleviating financial burdens on the NHS. Future audits are recommended to ensure sustained compliance and quality of care in Neurosurgery.