Healthcare-associated infection prevention in the ASC environment should be a multifaceted program covering all of the evidence-based strategies that have been shown to reduce the risks of SSIs and other complications. Observations done in the surgical environment to assess compliance with these technical strategies have demonstrated that one single cause for an SSI is rarely the case; rather, there may be multiple breaches in optimal surgical patient care practices. The teamwork culture of the operating room can greatly influence the behavior of the individual health care workers on the team. Optimizing patient safety culture improves staff teamwork and communication, which in turn promotes adherence to evidence-based practices that prevent SSI, especially when modeled by the surgeon and other leaders on the team. Infection prevention practices and guidelines are updated regularly and are specific to your facility needs. Competency among your ASC staff is critical, and resources have been provided below to help you identify infection prevention best practices.
- Surgical Care Improvement Project Measures (inpatient setting)
- Healthcare Infection Control and Practices Advisory Committee and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Safe Ambulatory Care
- Joint Commission Standards
- Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Guidelines for Perioperative Practice
- Infectious Diseases Society of America Practice Guidelines
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Guide to the Elimination of Orthopedic Surgical Site Infections (in collaboration with AORN)
Tools
Appendix L. Infection Prevention Infographic
This infographic describes infection control practices important to the ASC setting.
Appendix M. Endoscopy Infographic
This infographic describes steps to prevent infection in endoscopic procedures.
Appendix N. Part I—A Clear View on Endoscope Processing: Transporting, Leak Testing, Cleaning
In April, 2015, the American National Standards Institute and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation jointly released new standards of scope processing. This video discusses the new guidelines related to transporting, leak testing and cleaning.
In April, 2015, the American National Standards Institute and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation jointly released new standards of scope processing. This video discusses the new guidelines related to disinfection/sterilization and the importance of record keeping.
Appendix P. Evaluating and Selecting Hand Hygiene Products
Hand hygiene products are only effective if staff use them. This presentation reviews criteria for evaluating and selecting the right products for your facility.
