Evaluation of clinical efficacy of the Guideline based on SSI surveillance data

Abstract

The clinical efficacy of the measures recommended in the SSI prevention guidelines can be proven only when SSIs have decreased as a result of the measures taken. In order to show a decrease in SSI, continuous monitoring of SSI, or SSI surveillance, is necessary. In this sense, SSI prevention measures and SSI surveillance should work together like two wheels of a car to achieve the desired outcome for patients, the decrease in SSI. The method of SSI surveillance conducted in Japan has been standardized. Using data from the JANIS system, the frequency of SSIs before and after the publication of the guideline, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeries showed a significant decreasing trend after the publication of the guideline, while it remained unchanged before the publication. On the other hand, colon and rectal surgeries showed a significant decreasing trend in SSI even before publication and steadily decreased after publication. In the case of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeries, which are complicated and relatively difficult to standardize, the guideline may have standardized SSI measures and turned the downward trend in SSI occurrence.