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Î Increase the efficiency of surveillance through utilization of automated
data (II).
Î Provide ongoing feedback of SSI rates to surgical and perioperative
personnel and leadership (II).
Î Measure and provide feedback to providers regarding rates of
compliance with process measures (III).
ÎEducate surgeons and perioperative personnel about SSI prevention (III).
Î Educate patients and their families about SSI prevention as
appropriate (III).
Î Implement policies and practices aimed at reducing the risk of SSI
that align with evidence-based standards (eg, CDC, Association for
periOperative Registered Nurses, and professional organization
guidelines) (II).
Special Approaches for Preventing SSI
Î Screen for S. aureus and decolonize surgical patients with an
antistaphylococcal agent in the preoperative setting for high-
risk procedures, including some orthopedic and cardiothoracic
procedures (II).
Î Perform antiseptic wound lavage (II).
Î Perform an SSI risk assessment (III).
Î Observe and review OR personnel and the environment of care in the
OR (III).
Î Observe and review practices in the postanesthesia care unit, surgical
ICU, and/or surgical ward (II).
Approaches That should Not Be Considered a Routine Part
of SSI Prevention
Î DO NOT routinely use vancomycin for antimicrobial prophylaxis (II).
Î DO NOT routinely delay surgery to provide parenteral nutrition (I).
Î DO NOT routinely use antiseptic-impregnated sutures as a strategy to
prevent SSIs (II).
Î DO NOT routinely use antiseptic drapes as a strategy to prevent
SSIs (I).
