Enhancing recovery: Joining the Improving Surgical Care and Recovery programme to decrease colorectal surgical site infections. Issue 11 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boalt-Watson, Bernadette; Boutros, Cherif
• Is Part Of: Journal of perioperative practice. Volume 31:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 419
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Evidence-based / Normothermia / Colorectal / Ambulation / Alimentation/ Surgeon; Operating room nursing -- Periodicals; 617.9192
• DOI: 10.1177/1750458920962029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-7949

Abstract

Aim: Surgical site infections after colorectal surgery are a clinical and financial challenge in healthcare. The purpose of this project was to decrease the rate of surgical site infections in colorectal surgical patients in a community hospital with an academic cancer centre in the United States of America. Method: The Quality Improvement Department obtained data to measure the hospital's performance with colorectal surgical patients. The data examined the surgical site infection rate and the length of stay. A multidisciplinary team was established to implement protocols to improve compliance. Results: More than 200 patients received a colorectal surgical resection at the hospital. The implemented protocols decreased both the surgical site infection rate and the length of stay (9.1–0% and median 6–4 days respectively). Discussion: Challenges with implementation of the Improving Surgical Care and Recovery programme, in a community setting, are discussed. The challenges were worked through collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for the patients. Conclusion: The interdisciplinary committee used evidence-based practices to enhance the care of the colorectal patients. Some of the protocols that emerged were: patient education, pain medication, mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotics, as well as early alimentation. The protocols are discussed in Tables 1 to 4.