Becker's Clinical Quality & Infection Control

42 Executive Briefing H ealthcare-associated infections place a considerable burden on hospitals and health systems by way of patient morbidity and care costs. Surgical site infections, one of the most prevalent HAIs, often originate in the operating room, making the OR an important point of focus for hospital infection control efforts. According to CDC estimates, 157,500 inpatient SSIs occurred in American acute care hospitals in 2011. This accounted for more than 21 percent of all the estimated HAIs in the nation that year. Although hospitals have made improvements in HAI reduction in recent years, reductions in SSIs appear to be occurring at a slower pace. While central line-associated bloodstream infections declined 50 percent between 2008 and 2014, SSIs experienced a 17 percent decline over the same time period, with SSIs related to colon surgery dropping by just 2 percent. SSIs can lead to increased morbidity, longer hospitalizations, higher readmission rates and greater healthcare costs. The infections carry a mortality rate of 3 percent, and three-quarters of SSI-associated deaths can be directly attributed to the infection, according to a study published in the journal Surgical Infections. These data suggest SSIs are a prime target for HAI-reduction initiatives. However, it's important that these efforts also support OR efficiency, which is associated with greater patient satisfaction, fewer post-operative complications and improved outcomes, according to a study published in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine. To help prevent SSIs while keeping OR turnover time low, hospitals can look to infection control systems that protect and prolong the life of OR equipment, minimize cross contamination and ensure each patient receives high-quality care in a controlled, standardized setting. Improving infection control techniques in the OR To mitigate the risk of SSIs, hospitals must employ a variety of preventive measures that help neutralize the threat of contamination posed by operative staff and the OR environment. Although few studies have evaluated the role of surface contamination in the OR, a growing base of evidence shows the OR's inanimate environment can become contaminated with harmful pathogens. An OR's walls, tables, floors and equipment surfaces are susceptible to these pathogens even with standard environmental cleaning processes, a study published in Surgical Infections found. Pathogens in the OR environment can then be transmitted to providers' hands and to patients, increasing the likelihood of an SSI. Advance Medical Designs, a manufacturer of disposable infection control products used in ORs, continues to innovate the Advance Room Turnover Infection Control System Program to help hospitals improve infection control technique and promote better patient outcomes. To protect OR equipment, the Advance Room Turnover system uses impervious table linens, sturdy lift sheets, arm board and headrest covers, various bags and single-use mops. Each product is disposable and replaced after a one-time use. "These products enhance infection control procedures by minimizing the potential for cross contamination in the operating room," said Anthony J. Cottone, President and CEO of Advance Medical Designs. Hospitals with the Advance Room Turnover system in place also have access to the Value Added Goods Program, which includes gel positioners, hampers, mop handles and storage containers that support the components in the system's kits. The table linens included in the room turnover kits are impervious to blood and viral penetration. Fluid from the procedure or the patient does not get onto the OR mattresses, meaning staff will not have to clean the mattresses as vigorously as they would when using reusable linens. The chemicals required for rigorous cleaning processes in hospitals that do not use the Advance Room Turnover system break down mattresses overtime, meaning these facilities may have to spend more on replacements. Additionally, the room turnover kit's absorbent table cover helps minimize the likelihood that fluid will leak into the controls of the OR bed itself. The fight to eliminate SSIs — Why OR optimization is essential for better infection control Sponsored by:

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