A midwifery-led prevalence programme for caesarean section surgical site infections. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baxter, E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 109(2021)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Caesarean section -- Surgical site infection -- Wound infection -- Surveillance -- Prevalence; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.12.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Caesarean section (CS) is a common procedure accounting for 29% of all deliveries. Surgical site infections (SSI) are a risk with any surgical procedure. A CS SSI prevalence programme led by a midwife, who is also an infection prevention and control matron, was implemented to determine the rate of CS SSI within the trust. The initial CS SSI rate was 26% over a 3-month period (June–August 2012). Targeted interventions were put in place to reduce the CS SSI rate, and by 2019, it had decreased to 8%. Hospitals should consider implementing CS SSI surveillance and prevention programmes. Real benefits can be realized with minimal resources.