204 - Evidence to Practice: Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle in Colorectal Surgery

Description: Study question and background information
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI where an infection occurs in the part of the body where a surgery took place. In the 2023 report of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 3% increase in SSI was noted between 2022 and 2023. Colorectal isolation technique is a widely used technique that prevents cross-contamination in bowel surgeries. In an urban teaching hospital, the protocol has yet to be adapted by the perioperative team to mitigate the risk for infection post-surgery. According to the evidence, in patients undergoing colorectal surgery in an urban teaching hospital, what is the impact of isolation technique protocol on the reduction of surgical site infection?

Design description
The Nursing Professional Development Practitioner (NPDS) and the colorectal surgery nursing team looked at current evidence-based practice (EBP) on isolation techniques used in colorectal surgery. The team collaborated with General and Colorectal surgeons on best practices to be implemented. The team decided to utilize the Johns Hopkins EBP Model in translating evidence to practice. The team evaluated current literature on bowel isolation technique protocols.

Methodology
The nursing team selected interventions based on evidence strength and collaboration with the surgical team. A preliminary education session was completed to familiarize the nursing team on the practice change. The team also collaborated with the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) on the creation of the closing mayo tray. An audit tool was created to track compliance of team members. Quarterly reports of SSI will be monitored to tract the impact of the practice change to the reduction of SSI in the hospital.