Projects

Reduction in Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infections for Open Emergency Abdominal Surgery Patients

Project Categories

Care Process & Redesign

Platform

National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement

Cluster

National Healthcare Group

31 December 2022

To reduce superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSI) from 23.1% to below 8% in emergency abdominal surgeries. Workflow redesign enhanced patient safety and reduced SSIs significantly in emergency surgeries.

Year Submitted: 2022
Published Date: 31 December 2022

Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Value Based Care, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign

About this Content

Aims

To reduce superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSI) from 23.1% to below 8% in emergency abdominal surgeries.

Background

Open abdominal surgeries had high SSI rates due to protocol and equipment gaps.

Methods

Implemented a wound closure bundle and monitored practices with quarterly audits.

Results

SSI rates reduced from 23.1% to 13.6% (goal achieved). Annualized savings: $133,680 from cost avoidance and reduced inpatient days.

Conclusion

Workflow redesign enhanced patient safety and reduced SSIs significantly in emergency surgeries.

Lessons Learnt

Collaboration among surgeons and nurses was key. Education on infection control ensured sustainability.

Additional Information

NHG Quality Day 2022: Best Award for Developing a Sustainable Workforce

Keywords

SSI Reduction, Wound Closure, Infection Control

Innovators' Details

Healthcare Cluster(s)	National Healthcare Group
Organization(s) Involved	Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Platform(s)	National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
Healthcare Professional Group(s)	Ancillary Care, Nursing, Medical
Applicable Specialty or Discipline	Surgery, Infectious Diseases
Project Lead(s)	Liu Huimin
Project Member(s)	Aloysius Tan Ming Ngan Liu Biquan Yang Yang Poh Bee Lian Lee Hwee Hwee Goh Cheng Cheng

Connect with this contributor!

Dr Liu Huimin - huimin_liu@ttsh.com.sg

Project Attachment

C_566_TTSH_Quality_Day_2021_Reduce_Incidence_of_Delirium_in_Elderly_Hip_Fracture_Patients.pdf