Purpose for the program:  Increase knowledge and implement changes in clinical practice to reduce the incidence of preventable surgical site infections in our obstetrical unit.

Proposed change:  Reduce the incidence of preventable surgical site infections

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:

Evidence-based resources were used to develop a program that focused on staff and patient education and specific changes in clinical practice. Our strategies for implementation included the use of several venues for education, techniques to assure effective communications related to the practice changes and the securing of support from staff nurses, surgical technicians, nurse managers, the Director of Maternal Child Health, the Chair of the Department of OB/GYN and the Infection Prevention Specialists.

As a result of our efforts, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of preventable surgical site infections.

The incidence of SSIs continues to be monitored and each case is reviewed by an interdisciplinary team of clinicians.

Implications for nursing practice:

Prevention of infection is an important aspect of the care we provide for our surgical patients. Maintaining a low SSI rate assures a decrease in the amount of pain and discomfort, a reduced risk of long-term sequelae and a lowered financial strain to the patient and her family.

Keywords: Surgical Site Infection, Wound Infection, Decreasing Infection Rates