MINIMISING INFECTION RISK: FORTUNE FAVOURS THE PREPARED MIND

Abstract

1. 1.

   Patient Factors

   1. a.

      Intrinsic

      1. i.

         Age

      2. ii.

         Nutritional status

      3. iii.

         Diabetes

      4. iv.

         Smoking

      5. v.

         Obesity

   2. b.

      Coexistent infections at a remote body site

   3. c.

      Altered immune response/Colonisation with microorganisms

   4. d.

      Length of pre-op stay/institutionalisation

2. 2.

   Pre-Operative

   1. a.

      Hand Prep/Scrub Duration/Technique

   2. b.

      Skin antisepsis/Prep/Hair removal

   3. c.

      Antimicrobial prophylaxis

3. 3.

   Operative

   1. a.

      Ventilation

   2. b.

      Instrument sterilisation

   3. c.

      Surgery

      1. i.

         Duration

      2. ii.

         Poor hemostasis/Drains/Dead space

      3. iii.

         Tissue trauma/Foreign material