Hospital based interventional study implementation of supervised quality improvement protocol in reducing surgical site infections in obstetrics and gynaecological major surgeries: A study protocol

Abstract

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant challenge in obstetric and gynaecological surgeries, with incidence rates ranging from 0.5% to 15%. These infections not only impact patient outcomes but also contribute to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. To address this issue, a hospital-based interventional study is proposed, focusing on the implementation of a comprehensive quality improvement protocol within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Wardha. Methods The study will include approximately 800 obstetric and gynaecological surgeries per year. Ethical approval has been obtained and written informed consent will be obtained from all enrolled women. The intervention involves the implementation of a surgical site infection prevention quality improvement protocol, encompassing elements such as standardized pre-operative antiseptic agents, proper cleaning procedures, and the use of injectable cefazolin. A structured proforma will be developed for data collection, covering demographic details, surgical parameters, surgeon characteristics, and post-operative outcomes. Expected outcome This study aims to assess the efficacy of the quality improvement protocol in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections. We anticipate that the implementation of this protocol will lead to a significant reduction in SSIs, improving patient outcomes and safety in obstetric and gynaecological surgeries. The study's findings will not only contribute to the body of knowledge on infection prevention but will also serve as a valuable framework for enhancing surgical safety in similar healthcare settings. Continuous evaluation and refinement of the protocol will be crucial for sustained success in reducing SSIs and improving overall patient care.