Patients receive a brochure on the importance of CHG bathing at
the surgeon's office. Plus, patients scheduled for joint replacement
surgery learn about the benefits of compliance with the CHG bathing
regimen at a total joint seminar.
"Our surgeons and their staff are very good about explaining the
improved outcomes we've seen when using a CHG bathing regimen,"
says Ms. Morrison.
3. Nasal decolonization
Another SSI-prevention strate-
gy that facilities are using
with increasing frequency is
nasal decolonization on all
patients to help prevent
MRSA infections. Though
treating all patients with
antibiotics isn't recommend-
ed, manufacturers of nasal
sanitizing swabs promise they
help reduce the number of
pathogens in a patient's nose
without the risk of widespread antibiotic use. It's quick and easy. Pre-
op nurses simply use the swabs to apply an alcohol-based antiseptic
or a povidone-iodine solution to patients' nostrils before they enter
the OR. Though still fairly new, recent research suggests that these
options can help reduce the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus SSIs
(osmag.net/xb3CXN).
4. Pre-op communication
New apps and online portals make pre-operative communication a
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 3
• DECOLONIZATION Evidence shows nasal bacteria are a primary
component in the spread of infection. Swabbing patients in pre-op
with a nasal sanitizer can help reduce the risk without antibiotics.
