Title : Nursing Practices in the Prevention of Post-Operative Wound Infection in Accordance with Evidence-Based Approach
Abstract:
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are serious postoperative complications that may lead to undesired patient outcomes. SSIs is a type of healthcare-associated infection in which a wound infection occurs after an invasive (surgical) procedure. SSIs have been shown to compose up to 20% of all of healthcare-associated infections. At least 5% of patients undergoing a surgical procedure develop a surgical site infection. Although some surgical complications are inevitable, the quality of surgical care can be improved if the focus is on evidence-based practice recommendations and decisions are made. The most important factor in preventing surgical site infections is the full and absolute compliance of health professionals with the recommendations in the guidelines.
Nurses, working around the clock, are in an ideal position to participate or play a leading role in taking initiatives that aimed to ensure quality of care and thus to enhance patient safety which includes prevention of SSIs. Previous research has used survey and chart audit methods to describe wound care practices. However, little research has been published using observations to describe the surgical wound management practices of nurses.
The aim of this study is to describe the postoperative wound care practices of surgical nurses and the evidence-based guideline recommendation of wounds.
