SHEA: Strategies to prevent SSIs updated

Editor's Note

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has updated the Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infection in Acute Care Hospitals, which was published in 2014.

The update highlights practical recommendations designed to assist acute-care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their surgical site infection (SSI) prevention efforts.

Among the recommendations that are now considered essential practices:

• Discontinuation of antimicrobial prophylaxis at the time of surgical closure in the OR.
• Administration of parenteral and oral antibiotics before elective colorectal surgery.
• Decolonization of surgical patients with an anti-staphylococcal agent for cardiothoracic and orthopedic procedures.
• Vaginal preparation with antiseptic solution before cesarean delivery and hysterectomy.
• Use of bundles and checklists to promote adherence to best practices.
• Observation and review of OR personnel and the environment of care in the OR and SPD.

The guidance, sponsored by SHEA, is a collaborative effort of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, American Hospital Association, The Joint Commission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and others.