Surgical site infections are known to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. In an effort to reduce occurrence of these infections, Glens Falls Hospital trialed a pre-operative chlorhexidine gluconate with povidone iodine nasal decolonizing bathing set in 2018.
The trial was a collaboration between surgeons, the executive suite, nursing, value analysis, quality, patient safety and infection prevention and control staff. The three-month trial resulted in a greater than 70% reduction in SSIs compared to the previous three months and was approved for hospital-wide implementation in November 2018.
After implementation, SSIs decreased 55% by November 2019 and resulted in a net estimated cost avoidance of $95,471. Reducing the microbial burden of the skin via a skin antiseptic has resulted in better clinical outcomes, reduced costs and increased staff satisfaction. Additionally, the hospital achieved a sustained reduction in SSIs: from 0.32 to 0.14 per 100 cases.
For more information, contact Hillary Alycon, MPH, CIC, director, infection prevention and control, at 518.926.2181 or halycon@glensfallshosp.org.