A comprehensive qualitative investigation of the factors that affect surgical site infection prevention in cardiac surgery in England using observations and interviews

Tanner, Judith; Brierley Jones, Lyn; Westwood, Nigel; Rochon, Melissa; Wloch, Catherine; Vaja, Ricky; Rogers, Luke J; Dearling, Jeremy; Wilson, Keith; Kirmani, Bilal H; Bhudia, Sunil K; Rajakaruna, Cha; Petrou, Mario; Bailes, Louise; Jawarchan, Angila; Baker, Maureen; Murphy, Gavin J

Abstract

Background: Interview and questionnaire studies have identified barriers and challenges to preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) by focusing on compliance with recommendations and care bundles using interviews, questionnaires and expert panels. This study proposes a more comprehensive investigation by using observations of clinical practice plus interviews which will enable a wider focus. Aim: To comprehensively identify the factors which affect SSI prevention using cardiac surgery as an exemplar. Methods: The study consisted of 130 h of observed clinical practice followed by individual semi-structured interviews with 16 surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff, and nurses at four cardiac centres in England. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: The factors were complex and existed at the level of the intervention, the individual, the team, the organization, and even the wider society. Factors included: the attributes of the intervention; the relationship between evidence, personal beliefs, and perceived risk; power and hierarchy; leadership and culture; resources; infrastructure; supplies; organization and planning; patient engagement and power; hospital administration; workforce shortages; COVID-19 pandemic; ‘Brexit’; and the war in Ukraine. Conclusion: This is one of the first studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the factors affecting SSI prevention. The factors are complex and need to be fully understood when trying to reduce SSIs. A strong evidence base was insufficient to ensure implementation of an intervention.

Citation

Tanner, J., Brierley Jones, L., Westwood, N., Rochon, M., Wloch, C., Vaja, R., Rogers, L. J., Dearling, J., Wilson, K., Kirmani, B. H., Bhudia, S. K., Rajakaruna, C., Petrou, M., Bailes, L., Jawarchan, A., Baker, M., & Murphy, G. J. (2024). A comprehensive qualitative investigation of the factors that affect surgical site infection prevention in cardiac surgery in England using observations and interviews. Journal of Hospital Infection, 149, 119-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.016

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 18, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 6, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 7, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Hospital Infection
• Print ISSN: 0195-6701
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-2939
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 149
• Pages: 119-125
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.016
• Keywords: Surgical site infection, qualitative, cardiac surgery, barriers, facilitators, interventions
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/35425777
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: A comprehensive qualitative investigation of the factors that affect surgical site infection prevention in cardiac surgery in England using observations and interviews; Journal Title: Journal of Hospital Infection; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.016; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Healthcare Infection Society.