Highlights
- •A targeted intervention to improve patient understanding and use of CHG washes.
- •71% (n = 129) of participants used CHG the recommended two times.
- •Information received from the preadmissions nurses was highly rated.
- •Inconsistent information across the hospital remained an issue.
Abstract
Background
Despite a lack of consensus around which type of preoperative wash is most effect
in preventing surgical site infection, their use in clinical practice remains common.
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is widely used however a previous study indicated issues
with patient understanding and use of CHG. In response an intervention was developed
which aimed to improve patient understanding and compliance with CHG.
Methods
A patient information sheet and a standardised script to guide preadmission phone
calls were developed to improve the delivery of information to patients at the study
hospital. These interventions were implemented for four months with adult surgical
inpatients. A cross-sectional survey was then conducted to assess the effectiveness
of the intervention.
Results
A 75% (n = 226) response rate was attained. The majority of participants (86%, n = 189)
used CHG prior to their surgical procedure and of these 71% (n = 129) used CHG the
recommended two times. The quality of information received from the preadmissions
nurses was rated more highly than information delivered by other hospital staff. Openended
questions revealed key issues including lack of information, time and access issues,
and inconsistencies in CHG use.
Conclusion
The value of standardised calls and information sheets was evident in participants
who reported receiving these measures. A moderate increase was seen from the original
study in the number of participants who used CHG washes the recommended two times.
However, issues remained with inconsistent information across the hospital. Clinicians
need to draw on high quality, contemporary research to inform clinical practice.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 23, 2019
Accepted:
June 10,
2019
Received in revised form:
June 10,
2019
Received:
April 22,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
