Surgical site infections

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common and costly health care-associated infection (HAI), occurring in nearly 5 percent of patients undergoing inpatient surgery. Annual financial costs are estimated at $3.5 to $10 billion. The emotional and physical costs to patients are staggering, including lengthened hospital stays, readmissions and death. Experts estimate that up to 60 percent of SSIs are preventable.   

MHA has developed an SSI road map outlining evidence-based recommendations and standards for the development of prevention and quality improvement programs that align process improvements with outcome data. Road maps reflect published literature and guidance from relevant professional organizations and regulatory agencies, as well as identified proven practices. MHA’s Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Committee provides expert guidance and oversight to all health care-associated infection road maps.    

The SSI road map is intended for hospitals planning a comprehensive SSI performance improvement project.