Hospitals can reduce the risk of wound infection and other complications after surgery by making sure patients receive proper medication at the appropriate time on the day of surgery. Results for the following performance measures are noted below:

• Surgery patients who were taking heart drugs called beta blockers before coming to the hospital, who were kept on the beta blockers during the period just before and after their surgery
• Surgery patients who were given an antibiotic at the right time (within one hour before surgery) to help prevent infection
• Surgery patients who were given the right kind of antibiotic to help prevent infection
• Surgery patients whose preventive antibiotics were stopped at the right time (within 24 hours after surgery)
• Surgery patients needing hair removed from the surgical area before surgery, who had hair removed using a safer method (electric clippers or hair removal cream – not a razor)
• Surgery patients whose doctors ordered treatments to prevent blood clots after certain types of surgeries
• Patients who got treatment at the right time (within 24 hours before or after their surgery) to help prevent blood clots after certain types of surgery

What Is Measured
The percent of surgery patients taking heart drugs called beta blockers before coming to the hospital, and who were kept on the beta blockers during the period prior to and following  surgery.

Why It's Important
Often it is standard procedure to stop patients' usual medications prior to surgery. Studies show that patients who take beta blockers may benefit if their medication is continued before and after surgery.

What Is Measured
The percent of eligible surgery patients who received antibiotic(s) to prevent infection one hour before surgery.

Why It's Important
After surgery, it it not uncommon for wound infections to develop.  Patients who receive a preventative antibiotic within an hour before surgery are less likely to develop an infection.

What Is Measured
The percent of eligible surgical patients who received the appropriate preventative antibiotic recommended for their type of surgery. 

Why It's Important
Certain antibiotics are recommended to help prevent wound infection for particular types of surgery. By following current guidelines for antibiotic use, physicians can significantly reduce the risk of infection after surgery.

What Is Measured
The percent of surgery patients whose preventative antibiotic(s) were stopped within 24 hours after surgery.

Why It's Important
Antibiotics should be used as little as possible to reduce the risk of side effects and prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to the medication.

What Is Measured
The percent of surgery patients requiring removal of hair prior to surgery, who had hair around the surgical site removed by a non-razor method such as clippers or hair removal cream. 

Why It's Important
Research shows that hair removal around the surgical site with a razor may increase the risk of infection. Electric clippers or hair removal cream are safer ways to remove hair.

Missing information ...

What Is Measured
The percent of eligible surgical patients who received treatment to prevent blood clots before or after selected surgery.

Blood=d clot preventative treatments including blood thinning medications, elastic support stockings, or mechanical air stockings that promote circulation in the legs should be administered within 24 hours following surgery.