In preparation for abdominal hysterectomy (HYST) procedures, antiseptic agents are used to cleanse incision sites and surrounding skin, including the vaginal vault and perineum. These areas harbor high microbial counts which can contaminate the surgical site, if not prepared appropriately. The study aims to assess the impact of perioperative staff education on vaginal skin preparation compliance and HYST surgical site infection (SSI) outcomes.

Adherence to best practice standards for pre-operative vaginal preparation was assessed through in-person observations of varying perioperative staff. Opportunities for improvement were targeted through implementation of a 3-tier education plan. HYST SSIs outcomes during and after execution of education were observed.

Observations revealed variations in practice among perioperative staff members. The need to highlight and demonstrate current best practice standards, as well as validate improved execution were addressed in the 3-tier education plan for current staff and those on boarded during study execution. HYST SSI rate was reduced by 83%, from 11.11% in December 2018 to 1.89% in August 2019.

This study found that targeted process improvement, including continuing education for employees and plan for continuity with new employees, improved execution of best practice standards and positively impacted SSI outcomes.