Incidence and predictors of surgical site infection following minor surgery in general practice setting
Michael Yelland Griffith University
Jane Nikles, Norma McNairn, Robyn Brown University of
Queensland
Christopher Del Mar Bond University
Philip Schluter Auckland University of Technology
Objectives
To determine the incidence of and risk factors for surgical site infections in a general practice setting.
Methods
Prospective, observational study of patients presenting for minor excisions. The setting was primary care in regional centre, Queensland, Australia. Eight hundred and fifty seven patients were assessed for infection.
Principal findings
The overall incidence of infection was 8.6% (95%-confidence interval = [6.8, 10.5]). Excision from lower legs and feet (p = 0.001) or thighs (p = 0.041), and excision of BCC (p = 0.021) or SCC (p = 0.021) were found to be independent risk factors for infection.
Discussion
Antibiotic prophylaxis is probably prescribed excessively or inappropriately for dermatological surgery. The results of this study could encourage the more judicial use of prophylactic antibiotics by defining these high-risk groups in a general practice setting, such as those undergoing excision of a non-melanotic skin cancer from the lower limb.
Implications for policy, delivery or practice
A small research network of 16 general practitioners conducted this study and applied for a PHCRED scholarship as a group. Workshops were held so participants could collaborate to develop design and methods. We tackled a simple question of relevance to primary care using the best methods we could and produced meaningful results.
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