The impact of quality management in reducing surgical site infection: an action research

Surgical Site Infection is a common side effect of surgeries that causes an increase in morbidity, mortality, patient length of stay in the hospital and hospital expenses. Quality management as an organizational strategy helps improve working processes and enhance hospital productivity. This study aimed to examine the impact of applying a quality management technique on reducing Surgical Site Infection in a cardiology hospital in Tehran, Iran. A participatory action research was used for the intervention. Using a checklist, the reasons for Surgical Site Infections were identified, investigated and an action plan was developed and implemented for its reduction. Using the quality management strategy, Surgical Site Infection was reduced by 28 percent. Standardization of processes, proper planning and using anesthetics clinic helped reduce the Surgical Site Infection. Implementing an appropriate quality management model appropriately helps reduce Surgical Site Infection in hospital operation theatres.