The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Global Surgical Conference & Expo (AORN26) highlighted impeccable results of a culture-driven, multidisciplinary method in mitigating colon surgical site infections (SSIs) by over 27%. This method demonstrated how patient outcomes can be exponentially enhanced, incorporating elements of standardized bundles, collaboration, and perioperative alignment. These SSIs, especially within colorectal procedures, generate significant concerns in perioperative care, due to their obstinate nature and impact on patients, making their reduction a primary target.
This article documents the experience of a team from Advocate Christ Medical Center, who significantly improved SSI outcomes. This team’s multidisciplinary tactic, fused with a major cultural shift, was encapsulated in their poster, ‘SSI Colon Reduction Through a Multidisciplinary Approach and Culture Change Strategy.’ Spearheaded by Parisa McDonough, RN, BSN, CNOR, the project aimed to lessen colon SSIs with the help of evidence-based practices, universal harmony, and consistent compliance.
Unfortunately, findings demonstrated anomalies in practices related to documentation, glycemic control, normothermia, antibiotic prophylaxis, intraoperative conduct, and preoperative preparation despite an existing evidence-based colon bundle. Consequently, an interdisciplinary committee was formulated, consisting of stakeholders from various healthcare zones, such as surgery quality, infection prevention, anesthesia, pharmacy, environmental services, presurgical optimization clinics, as well as leadership.
This team outlined a revised colon bundle in 2024, implementing stronger protocols and accommodating surgical industry shifts, such as a fascial closure initiative that necessitated the renewal of the entire sterile field post-colon anastomosis. Ideological barriers, inconsistent communication, and departmental silos were targeted alongside these clinical interventions in an effort to truly revolutionize patient outcomes. Furthermore, the project’s scope broadened in 2025, extending alliances with inpatient nursing units and care management teams, aiding the approach to reach beyond the operating room.
The initiative’s results registered a significant drop in the colon SIR, from 1.884 in 2023 to 1.374 by 2025, marking an astonishing 27.07% reduction. This success was attributed to an effective amalgamation of clinical benchmarks, systemic collaboration, and genuine culture change. The project’s key lesson underlines that SSIs can only be countered by a multi-faceted, integrated strategy that surpasses the scope of solitary interventions.
Standardized protocols need to be fortified by consistent education, prompt feedback, and interdisciplinary communication. Additionally, healthcare organizations must also underscore and address cultural aspects that impact adherence to prime practices. This model is not only scalable to other surgical specialties and institutions; it also maps out a feasible route for clinical SOPs in a future where artificial intelligence tools and educational resources will only augment the quality of healthcare. Results from the AORN26 strengthens belief that substantial SSI reduction is possible by marrying clinical excellence with systemic collaboration and shared dedication to change.