Care Bundles in Surgical Site Infection Prevention: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Surgical site infections are healthcare-associated infections that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Best practices in prevention of these infections are combined in care bundles for consistent implementation. Recent Findings: Care bundles have been used in nearly all surgical specialties. While the composition and size of bundles vary, the effect of a bundle depends on the number of evidence-based interventions included and the consistency of implementation. Bundles work because of the cooperation and collaboration among members of a team. Bundles for prevention of surgical site infections should address the multiple risk factors for infection before, during, and after the surgery. Summary: Bundles increase standardization of processes and decrease operative variance that both lead to reductions in surgical site infections.