OS_1303_part2_Layout 1 3/8/13 10:50 AM Page 83
I N F E C T I O N
tends to popularize the contributory, if not
causal, benefits of practices observed through
solid publicly reported data from hospitals,
states and other sources.
"It doesn't hurt, and it might help," is a more
innovative approach, and with the support of
the Association of periOperative Registered
Nurses and the American Association of
Orthopedic Surgeons, IHI's project is "Joining
Organizations IN Tackling SSIs."
Backed by its evidence, Project JOINTS
suggests you adapt 3 practices as routine
preparations for hip and knee arthroplasty
patients — skin prepping, pre-op patient
bathing and screening for superbugs —
alongside the applicable Surgical Care
Improvement Project practices (namely,
antibiotic delivery within 1 hour before incision
and hair removal when appropriate).
— Linda R. Greene, RN, MPS, CIC
M A R C H 2013 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
8 3
