An audit and trial aiming to reduce the rate of surgical site infections for women having a caesarean section

Abstract

Surgical site infection (SSI) following caesarean is a common cause of morbidity. To ensure best practice, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust decided to audit the rate of SSI following caesarean section. The results revealed that women who had the wound covered for a longer time were less likely to develop a wound infection. A trial was undertaken using two different wound dressings. Following the trial, new wound dressings were introduced for all women having a caesarean section, with the dressings remaining in place for 5 days. The Trust aims to re-audit the rate of SSI following caesarean section within 12 months.