A new online training course is now available to those with an interest in reducing surgical site infections (SSI) following caesarean section (CS). The training module can be accessed by registering at the new schülke academy portal: https://www.schuelke-academy.com/courses
This evidence-based course is offered as a free service by schülke as part of their commitment to education and support for healthcare staff. The course includes guidelines and evidence-based data for the prevention of SSIs following CS.
After undertaking this course, participants will increase their understanding of:
The course is delivered in five highly visual sections, each of which is followed by a series of multiple choice questions to help consolidate learning. On successful completion of the training, a certificate is issued. There is also the opportunity to share feedback.
The need for such a course is underlined by the fact that the number of babies delivered by caesarean section is increasing across the world. The latest UK data shows that 42% of births are by caesarean section [NHS Digital, 2024]. This figure is likely to increase as guidelines suggest that women should be given the option of a caesarean section without needing a clinical reason [NICE, 2021].
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are one of the most frequently recorded complications of CS with an SSI rate of approximately 16% [Health Innovation, W England, 2023]. They place additional physical and emotional strains on mothers; as well as extra demands on health services. Yet research confirms that at least 60% of SSIs are preventable [Collins, 2019], and a package of measures including skin and wound care can be effective in preventing them.
Although most post-caesarean SSIs are superficial infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, in the UK, 10%–13% are more serious deep infections of the muscle and fascial layer or organ/space infections (endometritis and reproductive tract infections) which may require readmission to hospital, [Wloch, 2020]. One study estimated that post-caesarean SSI extends the period of hospitalisation by 4 days, and costs an additional £3,173 per patient [Stanirowski, 2016].
A study of almost 4,000 patients who underwent caesarean section and were supported by an SSI reduction care package, found the SSI rate reduced by 50%, over a sustained 14-month period. The package included preoperative patient preparation, preoperative prophylactic antibiotics, and strict skin preparation. This significant reduction in SSIs reduced morbidity and was associated with reduced readmission rates, inpatient bed days, postoperative antibiotic prescribing, treatment costs and workload for the infection prevention and control team, [Corbett, 2021].
As rates of Caesarean delivery continue to increase, interventions to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections become increasingly important. Undertaking this course will ensure practitioners understand the latest data and have access to the most up to date guidance on preventing post CS SSIs. Further courses will be added to the portal over the coming months.
Please visit https://www.schuelke-academy.com/courses to find out more.
To download our new brochure, click here: https://www.schuelke.com/wMedia/docs/gb-en/75023-Schulke-CS-SSI-8pp-A4-Brochure-v5.pdf
References
Collins CR, Wick EC. Reflections on the Complexity of Surgical Site Infection Prevention and Detection from an Organizational Lens. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2019;20(7):577-580.
Corbett GA, O’Shea E, Nazir SF, et al. Reducing Caesarean Section Surgical Site Infection (SSI) by 50%: A Collaborative Approach. J Healthc Qual. 2021;43(2):67-75.
Health Innovation, West of England, Preventing Caesarean Birth Surgical Site Infection, 2023. https://www.healthinnowest.net/our-work/transforming-services-and-systems/preventing-surgical-site-infections/reducing-surgical-site-infection-caesarean-birth/. Accessed 13th September 2024.
NHS Digital, 2024, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/maternity-services-monthly-statistics/february-2024-experimental-statistics. Accessed 13th September 2024.
NICE guideline: Caesarean birth. Published: 31 March 2021. Last updated: 30 January 2024. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192. Accessed 13th September 2024.
Stanirowski PJ, Bizoń M, Cendrowski K, Sawicki W. Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloride Impregnated Dressings for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Adult Women Undergoing Cesarean Section. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2016;17(4):427-435.
Wloch C, Van Hoek AJ, Green N, et al. Cost-benefit analysis of surveillance for surgical site infection following caesarean section. BMJ Open 2020;10:e036919.
