Effect on Rates of Surgical Site Infection Following Application of an Infection Prevention and Control Training Program in Elsha’ab Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Without considering proper precautions, the health care facility can cause the spread of infections and diseases. When providing health services, it is essential to prevent transmission of infections at all times and at different levels. We want to make direct relationship between practice and infection rates. This study is to evaluate the application of training program with designing of guidelines for infection control in the operating rooms (Neuro and Cardiothoracic) among HCWs (health care workers) including surgeons, theatre nurses, surgical technologists, anesthesia assistants, cleaners and porters at Elsha'ab hospital in Khartoum. This was an interventional cross sectional study through a questionnaire, quantitative evaluation (observation/checklist audit) and interventional training of the target group. A reduction in infection rates was achieved after training program intervention. The rate of all cardiothoracic SSIs (surgical site infections) was 16% in the first year and 14% in the second year. Over the same period, the rate of SSIs among clean procedures decreased from 14% to 11%. This reflected the outcome of implementation of comprehensive education and training in an infection control program. It is recommended to implement infection prevention and control training programs and guidelines in all surgical and sterilization set units.