ThTP6.10 A multi-specialty clinical audit to assess true surgical site infection incidence at a district general hospital in Kent

Abstract

Abstract A surgical site infection (SSI) is a healthcare-associated infection which occurs within 30 days of surgery, or within 90 days of surgical implantation. SSIs cause significant morbidity and mortality. 3 types of SSI are recognised: superficial incisional, deep incisional and organ/space. Our audit aim was to assess our hospital performance against established national targets: SSI rates <1% following clean procedures and <10% following clean-contaminated surgery. Retrospective data collection was carried out. Patients who underwent surgery in theatres throughout 12/7/22 - 31/8/22 were included. Clinical records were reviewed, and follow-up telephone calls were made to capture any additional SSIs. 955 patients were included in the 1st cycle. Overall SSI rate was 14.5% (n = 138). This varied across specialties, being 18.1% for general surgery (n = 45/249) to 4.3% for paediatric surgery (n = 2/47). Incidence of SSIs in the elective and emergency settings for general surgery were 12.84% (n = 14/109) and 22.14% (n = 31/140) respectively. SSI rates also varied within each specialty according to procedure type. Within orthopaedics, Spearman’s correlation coefficient for procedure type and association with SSI showed statistical significance, Rs 0.961, P < 0.001. 38 SSIs were identified from follow-up telephone calls. This audit has demonstrated that the true incidence of SSIs is likely to be significantly higher than anticipated if hospital admission is the only criteria to capture data. Our results show there is scope for improvement to reduce SSIs. We have since implemented Oxford’s 8-point SSI reduction bundle. A re-audit is scheduled for 2023.