Preventing ‎Cardiac Surgery SSI’s

This VCH team designed a strategy to reduce the Surgical Site Infection (SSI) rate for cardiac surgery patients by implementing best practices outlined by ACS NSQIP and Health Canada. The new processes included tightened antibiotic timing and antibiotic re-dosing during the operation, new dressing products and protocol for the surgical and harvest site and active warming of the patient once off cardiac bypass.

The difference

It has drastically reduced the number of SSIs for cardiac surgery patients at VGH. In the last six months the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) VGH Cardiac Surgery SSI rate has dropped from 8 % to 1% and patients have not experience a sternum infection since July 2013.

What does it mean to be recognized?

“It is gratifying to know that the work we are doing not only improves patient care and outcomes but it is valued by our organization and the province.” – Barbara Drake, RN.

The team

Wendy Bowles, NP; Rita Dekleer, ICP; Allie Henderson, RN; Jennifer Kelly, RN;  Dr. Rael Klein; Jamie McDowell, RN;  Tina Oye, RN; Howard Paje, RN; Jessie Rodrigue, RN; Dr. Peter Skarsgard; Rita Sheena, CPhA; Emily Trew, RN; Markus Zurberg, RN; Barbara Drake, RN.

Learn more

Learn more about the award on the BCPSQC website.