Reducing the risk of surgical site infection using a multidisciplinary approach: an integrative review.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and describe the strategies and processes used by multidisciplinary teams of health care professionals to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs).


METHODS
An integrative review of the research literature was undertaken. Searches were conducted in April 2015. Following review of the included studies, data were abstracted using summary tables and the methodological quality of each study assessed using the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines by two reviewers. Discrepancies were dealt with through consensus. Inductive content analysis was used to identify and describe the strategies/processes used by multidisciplinary health care teams to prevent SSI.


CONCLUSIONS
In total, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 12 studies used quantitative methods, while a single study used qualitative interviews. The majority of the studies were conducted in North America. All quantitative studies evaluated multifaceted quality-improvement interventions aimed at preventing SSI in patients undergoing surgery. Across the 13 studies reviewed, the following multidisciplinary team-based approaches were enacted: using a bundled approach, sharing responsibility, and, adhering to best practice. The majority of studies described team collaborations that were circumscribed by role. None of the reviewed studies used strategies that included the input of allied health professionals or patient participation in SSI prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient-centered interventions aimed at increasing patient participation in SSI prevention and evaluating the contributions of allied health professionals in team-based SSI prevention requires future research.
National Health and Medical Research Council Research Centre for Clinical Excellence in Nursing Interventions (NCREN) and Centre for Healthcare Practice Innovation (HPI), Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Brigid M
BM
Gillespie
National Health and Medical Research Council Research Centre for Clinical Excellence in Nursing Interventions (NCREN) and Centre for Healthcare Practice Innovation (HPI), Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Evelyn
E
Kang
National Health and Medical Research Council Research Centre for Clinical Excellence in Nursing Interventions (NCREN) and Centre for Healthcare Practice Innovation (HPI), Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Shelley
S
Roberts
National Health and Medical Research Council Research Centre for Clinical Excellence in Nursing Interventions (NCREN) and Centre for Healthcare Practice Innovation (HPI), Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia ; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Frances
F
Lin
Surgical and Procedural Services, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Nicola
N
Morley
Surgical and Procedural Services, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Tracey
T
Finigan
Surgical and Procedural Services, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Allison
A
Homer
National Health and Medical Research Council Research Centre for Clinical Excellence in Nursing Interventions (NCREN) and Centre for Healthcare Practice Innovation (HPI), Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Wendy
W
Chaboyer
health care team; interprofessional; multidisciplinary; surgical wound; wound infection