It's Hip to Be Prepared; Post-operative Care Kneeds for Orthopedic Patients

Session Description: Surgical Site Infections (SSI) lead to higher incidence of morbidity and mortality, longer length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and additional healthcare costs. In January 2023 a rapid cycle process improvement team consisting of Quality/Patient Safety, Epidemiology and Orthopedic Surgery formed a multidisciplinary team to analyze the SSI cases to determine opportunity for improvements and risk reduction strategies. After data was analyzed, an action plan was created with tasks, deadlines and responsible parties outlined. This included re-education on decolonization and preoperative optimization protocols, enhance prevention measures and patient postoperative instructions, and review postoperative antibiotic administration in high-risk patients. Negative pressure wound therapy utilization was also reviewed, and attention was centered on the need rather than the standard to use on wounds resulting in a reduction of use from 12% to 5%. Over a three-year period from July 2021 - June 2024 the total knee infection rate decreased 53% and total hip infection rate decreased 64%. For postoperative opportunities, we identified that patients with economic and health disparities may benefit from a take home postoperative care kit. We utilized a patient survey administered to postoperative orthopedic patients to determine supplies that might be needed or beneficial at home. Kits will include hand soap, hand sanitizer, soap for cleansing around the wound, washcloths, thermometer, ice packs, oral care and incontinence products. The approximate cost is $15 per kit, provided free of charge to orthopedic surgical patients. Funding is provided by a patient safety grant awarded for a one-year trial. We will assess the value to the patient of having this kit and its efficacy in helping to prevent postoperative infections with the goal to expand to other surgical populations. This session will help the participant navigate the process for brining surveillance and process improvement together to create positive outcomes for their patients.