Infectious Diseases, Prevention and Control

Health Care-Associated Infections (HCAI) are the most frequent adverse event in health-care delivery worldwide. Up to 16% of HCAI are Surgical Site Infections (SSI). Managing the risk of surgical site infection is complex. Many patients are affected by SSI each year, leading to significant mortality, morbidity and financial losses for health systems. There are multiple sources of contamination and other variables that can increase the risk of SSI. Some of these variables can be controlled and some of these variables are outside the control of the health care team. Nowadays, implementing a standard of care and best practices in surgical procedures become part of patient safety strategies globally. It includes guidelines, protocols, a bundle of care and clinical evidence that can help to reduce the risk of SSI. There is no doubt that by standardizing the process of care we enhance patient safety, outcomes and satisfaction as well as teamwork collaborations and communications.