Services. The Wisconsin DHS guideline (osmag.net/Myj6UT) is, in
my opinion, the most comprehensive because it includes recommen-
dations on critical practice areas — such as surgical site irrigation,
nasal decolonization and use of wound protectors — in addition to
the minimum requirements noted in the others.
It's important to promote a team-based approach to infection pre-
vention initiatives, which are successful when surgeons, nurses, anes-
thesia providers and infection prevention professionals work together.
Surgical teams are expert in maintaining asepsis and infection preven-
tion professionals understand how to incorporate in everyday practice
the tools, technologies and practices designed to reduce infection
risks.
Until the goal of zero preventable surgical infections has been
achieved, it's important to expand your efforts beyond the basics by
incorporating innovative products and approaches into SSI preven-
tion bundles. Thinking outside the box and acting now will help
rebuild the momentum needed to push past the current infection
reduction plateau.
OSM
Ms. Barnes (sueabarnes@gmail.com) is an independent infection prevent
consultant (zeroinfections.org) based in San Mateo, Calif.
On Point
OP
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