Safety culture linked to SSI rates

Editor's Note

A positive safety and teamwork culture and engaged hospital management were associated with lower surgical site infection (SSI) rates after colon surgery in this study.

Researchers, led by Martin Makary, MD, from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, measured 12 dimensions of safety culture and colon SSI rates in surgical units of seven Minnesota community hospitals.

After adjusting for surgical volume and ASA classification, 9 of the 12 dimensions were significantly associated with lower SSI rates.

Among the dimensions:

• teamwork across units
• feedback and communication about error
• management support for patient safety
• communication openness.