Impact of healthcare-associated infection risk factors on the incidence of surgical site infection in geriatric patients after orthopedic surgery

Aim:
The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of risk factors for nosocomial infections on the occurrence of surgical site infections in the orthopedics department.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Musculoskeletal System from January 2022 to December 2022 . During the analysis 1019 surgical procedures were performed in the department. Within 12 hours from admission to the hospital all patients were assessed for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) using the form for evaluating risk factors for infection. Twenty-nine accepted infection risk factors were subject to comparative analysis, among others: age; transfer from another hospital; surgical procedures; alarm microorganism carrier; hygiene neglect; artificial roads: urethra, stoma, vascular catheter; immobilization and others.The data were entered into an observation questionnaire constructed for the purpose of the study.

Results:
Statistical analysis includes 541 women (53.09%) and 478 men (46.91%). The average HAI risk factor score was 2.95. Surgical site infection (HAI) was diagnosed in 14 patients, which shapes the incidence rate at 1.37%.

Conclusions:
1. Assessment of risk factors for a healthcare-associated infection performed by the doctor and nurse before surgery allows for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures to prevent SSI. 2. Age over 75 is a risk factor for SSI. 3. Pressure sores are an important risk factor for SSI. It is important to properly plan care for a patient with a pressure ulcer and a postoperative wound.