You have the greatest opportunity to have a ZERO denominator for surgical infections, as long as ALL your team is “Hand Aware”. There are no organisms that are being passed in the cafeteria between floor nurses and staff and surgical nurses and staff. You could virtually offer a “Guarantee” that the patient would not contract a surgical infection or their money back. Imagine the business advantage that would offer and the value to the Patient Safety and Infection Prevention (Control) movements. In fact CMMS may even level the “paying” field for services with such a guarantee. Review and initiate the Champion Handwasher Hospital Campaign or sign up for an Infection Prevention Hospital Partnership to start your journey to achieving a ZERO denominator for HAIs.
