title: Using PGD to reduce surgical infection risk.
abstract: Patients with spinal injuries are at increased risk of surgical site infection due to increased numbers of comorbidities and prolonged surgical procedures. This article describes the impact of a patient group direction that was used in a pre-operative assessment clinic to provide Staphylococcus aureus decolonisation to patients with a spinal injury who required prophylaxis. A post-implementation audit revealed that, in the main, staff and patients adhered to the direction, and infection rates were reduced.
authors.forename: Annesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Archyangelio
authors.forename: Amritpal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shakhon
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002353:Carrier State; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008403:Mass Screening; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents