Surgical Care Improvement Project
Process of Care Measures
Hospitals can reduce the risk of infection after surgery by making sure they provide care that’s known to get the best results for most patients. Here are some examples:
- Giving the recommended antibiotics at the right time before surgery
- Stopping the antibiotics within the right timeframe after surgery
- Maintaining the patient’s temperature and blood glucose (sugar) at normal levels
- Removing catheters that are used to drain the bladder in a timely manner after surgery
Hospitals can also reduce the risk of cardiac problems associated with surgery by:
- Making sure that certain prescription drugs are continued in the time before, during, and just after the surgery. This includes drugs used to control heart rhythms and blood pressure
- Giving drugs that prevent blood clots and using other methods such as special stockings that increase circulation in the legs
Surgery Patients Needing Hair Removed From the Surgical Area Before Surgery, Who Had Hair Removed Using a Safer Method (Electric Clippers or Hair Removal Cream – Not a Razor)
January 2010 through December 2010
Preparing a patient for surgery may include removing body hair from skin in the area where the surgery will be done. Medical research has shown that shaving with a razor can increase the risk of infection. It is safer to use electric clippers or hair removal cream.
This chart shows the percentages of surgery patients needing hair removed from the surgical area before surgery, who had hair removed using a safer method (electric clippers or hair removal cream – not a razor. Higher percentages are better.