Reducing Infection Rates after Cesarean Birth

Purpose for the Program The purpose of this innovative educational program was to implement changes to reduce the rate of infection after cesarean at a Midwestern regional health care facility. From 2011 to 2013, this rate ranged from 0.62% to 1.23%. Clearly, there is an upward trend in the rate of infection that needs to be managed to decrease postoperative infections. Proposed Change To implement standardized preoperative and postoperative education for all women who have cesarean births. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation The interdisciplinary, evidence‐based practice (EBP) project involved physicians, nurses, and staff in obstetric offices and nurses and educators in the labor and delivery and postpartum units. A retrospective chart review was conducted of women who experienced infections after cesarean for 99 variables. No common variables were identified regarding etiology of postcesarean delivery infections. A review of the literature was conducted, and patient education was identified as an intervention that affected infection rates. The interdisciplinary team created standardized preoperative instructions and standardized postoperative instructions that include an educational pamphlet and DVD. The projected program outcome is a decrease in the rate of infection after cesarean at the facility. Project outcomes will be measured by tracking infection rates quarterly and yearly. Preimplementation and postimplementation outcome data will be compared. Implications for Nursing Practice It is important that nurses are educated on how to identify best practices to provide consistent education to women from the time they decide on cesarean birth to discharge. It is imperative that nurses know how to implement best practices to improve patient outcomes. Reduced rates of infection will also reduce cost and morbidity associate with cesareans. The purpose of this innovative educational program was to implement changes to reduce the rate of infection after cesarean at a Midwestern regional health care facility. From 2011 to 2013, this rate ranged from 0.62% to 1.23%. Clearly, there is an upward trend in the rate of infection that needs to be managed to decrease postoperative infections. To implement standardized preoperative and postoperative education for all women who have cesarean births. The interdisciplinary, evidence‐based practice (EBP) project involved physicians, nurses, and staff in obstetric offices and nurses and educators in the labor and delivery and postpartum units. A retrospective chart review was conducted of women who experienced infections after cesarean for 99 variables. No common variables were identified regarding etiology of postcesarean delivery infections. A review of the literature was conducted, and patient education was identified as an intervention that affected infection rates. The interdisciplinary team created standardized preoperative instructions and standardized postoperative instructions that include an educational pamphlet and DVD. The projected program outcome is a decrease in the rate of infection after cesarean at the facility. Project outcomes will be measured by tracking infection rates quarterly and yearly. Preimplementation and postimplementation outcome data will be compared. It is important that nurses are educated on how to identify best practices to provide consistent education to women from the time they decide on cesarean birth to discharge. It is imperative that nurses know how to implement best practices to improve patient outcomes. Reduced rates of infection will also reduce cost and morbidity associate with cesareans.