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Conducting a Surgical Site Infection Prevention Tracer
Author(s) -
Padgette Polly,
Wood Brittain
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1002/aorn.12121
Subject(s) - perioperative , medicine , safer , perioperative nursing , health care , infection control , surgical site infection , intensive care medicine , patient safety , patient care , medical emergency , nursing , surgery , computer science , computer security , economics , economic growth
Surgical site infections ( SSI s) are the most common health care−associated infections in patients. Approximately half of SSI s are preventable when using evidence‐based strategies; however, deviations from evidence‐based practice can occur over time. Infection preventionists and perioperative staff members can help prevent these deviations by observing staff member practices using tracer methodology. Tracer methodology uses clinical information to follow patient care, treatment, or services provided throughout the care delivery system. The goal of tracer methodology for SSI prevention is to validate that organizational processes are promoting safer patient care. Using tracers, perioperative and infection prevention staff members can develop strategies to eliminate deviations from evidence‐based practice, thereby helping to prevent SSI s and improve patient outcomes.