Intrinsic and extrinsic sources and prevention of infection (in surgery). Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Claire
• Is Part Of: Surgery. Volume 37:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Care bundles -- Hand hygiene -- Pre-assessment clinic -- Surgical checklist -- Surveillance -- World Health Organization (WHO); Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2018.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-9319

Abstract

Abstract: In 2014–2015 the NHS carried out 9.9 million operations. Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) though, continues to be a major challenge, with 300, 000 patients a year affected. The human cost is enormous, but so is the financial cost; HAIs are estimated to cost the NHS approximately £1–2 billion a year, with £56 million of this estimated to be incurred after patients are discharged from hospital. Many HAI are preventable, and this article aims to support the surgeon and team in reducing HAI in the surgical pathway, by reviewing the role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the development of a HAI, to enable prevention/mitigation strategies to be put in place to ensure the safest possible care pathways.