Protocol for infection surveillance - Hampshire Hospitals NHS ...

Surveillance of Infection Protocol
Note:
• If an implant has not been inserted, SSIS should be stopped on the 30 th day
after the operation (as infection after this time would not meet the definition of
SSI).
• If an implant has been inserted SSIS should continue for 1 year after the
operation (as an infection may meet SSI definition). Any patients readmitted with
joint infection will be monitored by the coordinator.
3.0 The SSI Coordinator Responsibilities
• Collecting data from (medical & nursing notes / clinical personnel / positive
microbiology cultures).
• Analysing data
• Forwarding data to the HPA via a web link
• Acting as a point of contact to receive data from the HPA( quarterly reports)
• Sharing data results
Note: SSIS can be undertaken at local level if deemed necessary
3.1 Data collection
• Review operating theatre lists to identify patients for specific chosen category.
• Visit patient from first post- operative day until discharge (three occasions
advised by Health Protection Agency) HPA.
• Use assigned data collection form provided by the HPA.
• Make the patient aware of the relevance of SSIS / confidentiality of
information / dissemination of results.
• All patients to receive a booklet on “Monitoring surgical wounds for infection”(
HPA) Coordinator contact details are on the back of booklet.
• Verbal consent is taken from the patient, to receive a follow up telephone call
between four and six weeks post discharge, regarding wound status.
Alternatively a post discharge questionnaire can be given to the patient to be
completed at 30 day post discharge and returned to the Infection Surveillance
Coordinator. This post discharge surveillance is a mandatory requirement by
the SSIS database.
• Liase with microbiology, regarding wound swab results to confirm SSI.
• Collect relevant data via Sapphire computer system :- (ASA score, duration of
operation, grade of surgeon).
• Identify, and monitor patients readmitted with SSI and inform HPA.
• Liase with planning department to confirm admission / discharge list to ensure
that no patients have been overlooked in specific category.
• Check discharge operation code via PMS system.
3.2 Submission of data
• Data is submitted via a password protected electronic weblink to the HPA.
• Each record entered is given a serial number and this is used between the
Trust and the HPA for any further correspondence regarding the patient.
• Coordinator keeps own database for reference.
3.3 Reconciliation of submitted data
Approximately 4 weeks after the end of the surveillance period each participating
hospital will be asked to confirm the number of forms they have submitted for that
period and for how many of these SSI has been reported. This allows the
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