Journal Summary 5

A Multidisciplinary Team Working Toward Zero Infection Rate

This poster by Spencer et al describes the implementation of a multidisciplinary team approach in order to address an increase in the infection rate in the operating rooms of an orthopedic specialty hospital. The operating room nursing staff, orthopedic surgeons, and managers from infection control, healthcare quality, central supply, facilities, and environmental service were represented on the team. Procedures, practices, and facility design were evaluated, and a prioritized action plan developed to institute the appropriate changes and infection control measures. A number of issues were considered, including traffic control, surgical attire, operating room cleaning, instrument processing, air handling system and laminar flow, surgical hand scrub, Surgical Infection Prevention (SIP) core measures, postoperative dressing, antibacterial suture material, and education. Infection rates and the outcome of control measures were communicated at monthly staff meetings. Low infection rates were achieved during the 2-year project, with the overall orthopedic infections and rates below national rates when benchmarked against the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) system. This report highlights the importance of a team approach in the control of infection in the operating room.

Spencer M, Seber G, McKinnon B, et al. A Multidisciplnary Team Working Toward Zero Infection Rate.

Poster presented at: AORN 2007; March 11-15, 2007; Orlando, FL.

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