Effects of preoperative Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) cloths educational intervention for preoperative staff on CHG knowledge and surgical site infection rates: a quality improvement initiative.

Author

Deven Leffler, University of LouisvilleFollow

Date on Paper

8-2023

Document Type

Doctoral Paper

Degree Name

D.N.P.

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Ross, Ratchneewan

Committee Member

Shumaker, Shannon

Author's Keywords

CHG; application time; antisepsis; skin prep; SSI; prevention

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common cause of a surgical complication and account for 38% of all hospital acquired infections (HAI). The cost of caring for SSIs in the United States can range from $3.5-$10 billion annually.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP Quality Improvement (QI) initiative was to improve preoperative staff’s knowledge and application of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 3-minute application scrub time for the 2% CHG cloths and reduce SSIs for an acute care hospital located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Methods: Quality improvement was initiated using the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) model to provide preoperational 2% CHG cloth education to preoperative staff. Participants included 11 varying preoperative staff members made up of nurses and nursing assistants.

Intervention: The intervention was an education program on 2% CHG cloths.

Measures and Data Analysis: A 6-item 2% CHG cloth application knowledge questionnaire was used to evaluate participants’ knowledge pre-and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were applied to analyze the differences between the total pre-test and post-test mean scores. Rates of SSIs before and after the intervention were compared using percentage change.

Results: Using paired t-test, results showed that participants (n=11) had a significantly lower pre-test mean score (4.45 0.82) of 2% CHG cloth knowledge than post-test mean score (5.45 0.52) (t=4.28, p<0.001).

Conclusion: This 2% CHG cloth education initiative helped to increase preoperative staff knowledge and led to a decrease in the organization’s SSIs.

Key Words: Preoperative, chlorhexidine gluconate, CHG, cloth, wipes, application time, antisepsis, skin prep, surgery, surgical site infection, SSI prevention

Recommended Citation

Leffler, Deven, "Effects of preoperative Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) cloths educational intervention for preoperative staff on CHG knowledge and surgical site infection rates: a quality improvement initiative." (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 145.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/145