risk-reduction strategy are leading factors. That needs to change,
especially as increasing numbers of complex procedures shift to the
outpatient setting.
For example, orthopedic surgeons will be replacing about 4.5 mil-
lion total joints a year by 2030. Experts estimate that implant infec-
tions will occur in 2% of the cases. It will conservatively cost between
$6 billion and $9 billion a year to manage and treat those adverse
events.
We need to take an evidence-based approach to lowering risks of
post-op infections. The use of UV-C to reduce airborne microbial con-
tamination in the OR represents but one component of a future risk-
reduction strategy that needs to involve both patients and healthcare
professionals. Surgeons, OR personnel and infection preventionists
will lead the way, but it's the surgical administrators who green light
investments in effective solutions for improving surgical patient out-
comes.
OSM
M A Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 9
Sophisticated data clearly show airborne contamination
is occurring in the OR.
