Protocol Library
Evidence-based prevention protocols organized by phase of care
13 protocols
Patient Selection & Risk Stratification
Identify patients at elevated risk for surgical site infection prior to scheduling or proceeding with elective procedures.
View ProtocolPreoperative Skin Preparation
Reduce the microbial burden on the patient's skin at and around the intended surgical site to the lowest achievable level before incision.
View ProtocolClipping Timing & Technique
Establish evidence-based standards for the timing, extent, and method of hair removal from the surgical site.
View ProtocolSurgical Site Antisepsis
Select and correctly apply antiseptic agents to achieve maximal reduction in viable organisms at the surgical site immediately prior to draping and incision.
View ProtocolPerioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Administer systemic antibiotic prophylaxis at the correct time, dose, and duration to reduce SSI risk in appropriate surgical cases, while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use that contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
View ProtocolAseptic Technique & Sterile Field Maintenance
Maintain an uncompromised sterile field throughout the procedure by establishing clear boundaries, enforcing behavioral discipline, and responding immediately to any breach.
View ProtocolSurgical Draping Methods
Correctly apply sterile surgical drapes to isolate the prepared surgical site from the patient's surrounding (non-sterile) body surfaces, equipment, and the environment.
View ProtocolOR Traffic Control & Environmental Management
Minimize airborne and contact contamination within the operating room by controlling personnel movement, door activity, and environmental conditions during surgery.
View ProtocolInstrument Handling & Sterilization
Ensure all instruments and implants used in surgery are properly decontaminated, packaged, sterilized, and maintained in sterile condition until the moment of use.
View ProtocolWound Management & Dressing
Apply appropriate wound closure and primary dressing to protect the surgical site during the initial healing phase, minimize contamination from the environment, and facilitate early detection of complications.
View ProtocolBandaging Protocols
Apply and manage bandages for postoperative wounds in a manner that protects the site, supports healing, prevents self-trauma, and allows regular assessment.
View ProtocolPost-op Monitoring & Early Detection
Establish a structured postoperative monitoring protocol that enables early identification of signs consistent with surgical site infection, allowing timely intervention before superficial infection progresses to deep or organ-space disease.
View ProtocolAntibiotic Stewardship Decisions
Apply evidence-based criteria to antibiotic prescribing decisions in the postoperative period, ensuring that antimicrobials are used when genuinely indicated, at the correct dose and duration, and that antimicrobial resistance implications are considered for every prescription.
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