Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle Checklist

Implement evidence-based surgical site infection prevention measures including appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, glucose control, and perioperative normothermia.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Every surgical procedure
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Role: Surgical Team
  • Total Items: 49
  • Compliance: CDC SSI Prevention, SCIP Measures, Joint Commission NPSG

Preoperative Preparation

Patient preparation

  • Preoperative shower with antiseptic soap?
  • If hair removal needed, clippers used (not razor)?
  • MRSA nasal screening performed (if indicated)?
  • Decolonization performed if MRSA positive?

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Appropriate antibiotic use

  • Prophylactic antibiotic indicated for procedure?
  • Correct antibiotic selected per guidelines?
  • Antibiotic given within 60 min before incision?
  • Weight-based dosing used?
  • Redosing performed if procedure prolonged?
  • Prophylaxis discontinued within 24 hours?

Glucose Control

Blood glucose management

  • Perioperative glucose monitored?
  • Glucose maintained <180 mg/dL?
  • Insulin protocol used if needed?

Perioperative Normothermia

Temperature management

  • Temperature monitored intraoperatively?
  • Warming devices used?
  • Normothermia (>35.5°C) maintained?

Surgical Skin Preparation

Skin antisepsis

  • Chlorhexidine-alcohol used (unless contraindicated)?
  • Adequate dry time allowed?
  • Skin prep documented?

Postoperative Wound Care

Wound management

  • Sterile dressing applied?
  • Wound care instructions provided?
  • SSI surveillance plan in place?

Pre-Assessment Information

Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification

  • Assessor Name / Credentials
  • Assessment Date
  • Department / Unit
  • Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
  • Previous assessment findings reviewed?

Infection Prevention & Control

Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards

  • Hand hygiene compliance observed?
  • Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
  • Isolation precautions properly implemented?
  • Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
  • High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?

Patient Safety & Identification

Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures

  • Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
  • Fall risk assessment completed?
  • Call light within patient reach?
  • Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?

Medication Safety & Management

Verify medication handling and administration practices

  • Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
  • Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
  • No expired medications in stock?
  • High-alert medications properly labeled?

Environment of Care & Safety

Verify facility environment meets safety standards

  • Fire exits clear and unobstructed?
  • Emergency equipment functional and accessible?
  • Spill kits available and stocked?
  • Electrical cords and outlets in safe condition?

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

Complete assessment documentation and ensure regulatory compliance

  • All findings documented with evidence?
  • Corrective actions assigned with timeline?
  • Staff education provided on identified issues?
  • Assessor Signature
  • Additional Observations

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