Automated communication system helps prevent SSIs

Editor's Note

An automated text and voice messaging system improved communication about preventive steps orthopedic patients should take a week before surgery and the postoperative signs of infection to report in the 2 weeks after surgery.

The system reminds patients to fill their prescriptions for antibiotic ointment and body wash and use them as directed. Patients receive a text or voice message every day asking them to confirm that they are following bacterial decolonization protocols.

Beginning 5 days after surgery, the system sends daily text or voice messages asking patients to report signs of infection, such as pain, redness, odor, or discharge at the surgical site.

A poster presentation demonstrating the validity of the automated system was presented at the 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Conference in San Diego.

First study with orthopedic surgery patients shows the system is convenient and easy to use and that patients feel it significantly improves communication with their surgeons NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SAN DIEGO (Sunday, July 17, 2016, 4:45 pm PDT): In its first test