Patient engagement as an effective component in SSI prevention!

Active patient involvement significantly reduces the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) – this is confirmed by a recent systematic review evaluating international studies published between 2010 and 2024.

The analysis shows that when patients are actively involved in decision-making, education and wound monitoring, not only do infection rates decrease, but treatment adherence and psychological wellbeing also improve. Digital tools, such as wound monitoring apps, can further support this effect by reducing anxiety and simplifying follow-up care.

Practical implication: Patient engagement is possible throughout the entire perioperative care pathway – from lifestyle modifications (e.g. smoking cessation, weight loss), to infection prevention training (e.g. hygiene), preoperative measures (e.g. showering, hair removal), and postoperative wound care and early detection of infection signs. Combining evidence-based and widely used prevention bundles with new strategies to strengthen patient involvement could therefore be a highly effective approach to SSI prevention. 

Learn more about this publication and related topics on our platform L&R Prevent & Protect: https://ow.ly/hSmz50YgYcX