PLEASANTON, Calif. – Clorox Healthcare has issued a white paper discussing the impact of  proposed recommendation changes from the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). The paper, entitled “An Evidence-Based Approach to Preoperative Skin Cleansing Focused on Patient Compliance,” details the clinically-proven benefits of multiple chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin applications as part of a strategy to reduce SSI risk and advocates that infection prevention recommendations should not change at this time.

“Clorox Healthcare believes that the current infection prevention recommendations for preoperative skin antisepsis should not change. Additionally, the proposed recommendations are confusing, vague and have the potential to jeopardize patient care by leaving proper preoperative skin cleansing protocols open to interpretation,” said Kim LaFreniere, Ph.D., Associate Research Fellow, Clorox Healthcare, and co-author to the white paper.

It is also important to note that SSIs are a costly driver of patient morbidity and mortality, affecting between two and five percent of inpatient surgery patients and resulting in death as often as three percent of the time.[i] “Our goal today when it comes to infection prevention should be a re-focusing on SSI-reduction research and evidence to inform whether any future recommendation changes are warranted. Any new recommendations should leverage clinical evidence to provide the clear and detailed recommendations healthcare professionals and practitioners need in order to deliver risk-reducing strategies to help prevent SSIs,” said Rosie Lyles, MD, MHA, MS, Head of Clinical Affairs, Clorox Healthcare, and co-author of the white paper.

In addition to discussing proven SSI prevention strategies, the white paper details their potential impact on compliance when it comes to protocol clarity and precision. It also includes an evidence-based recommendation in support of the existing recommendations for two preoperative CHG baths as part of a bundled approach to infection prevention.

Healthcare Facilities and Providers Are Now Challenged

A 2014 study suggests that SSIs account for an excess of up to $3.5 billion in healthcare expenditures per year,[ii] not including the additional costs of hospitalization, post-discharge outpatient expenses, and long-term disability care and management.[iii]

“Based on the suggested changes available for public commentary, the new recommendations will likely not align with established and clinically-proven methods of CHG use. As a result, this may negatively impact SSI prevention protocol compliance and standardization in healthcare facilities in addition to overall care costs,” continued Lyles. “Infection control and prevention are critical components to improving health outcomes and curbing healthcare costs.”

The Solution is an Evidence-Based Approach to Infection Prevention

Clinical data supports that SSI prevention strategies can be enhanced with at least two preoperative baths using CHG as part of a bundled approach to reduce the risk of infection. A recent study concluded that as many as 55 percent of SSIs may be prevented with current evidence-based strategies.[iv] Though SSIs are often preventable, they remain a major threat to patient safety and quality of care.

Clorox Healthcare recommends specific steps to bolster SSI prevention strategies such as equipping healthcare professionals with proper education, ensuring patient access to CHG and providing them with clear instructions, including patient reminder systems, to enhance compliance.

The Clorox Healthcare white paper on skin antisepsis provides insight into:

·         Evidence-Based Protocol for an SSI Prevention Strategy: Clinical data support that multiple preoperative CHG baths (at least two) are more effective than a single preoperative cleanse with an antiseptic or soap and water.[v]

·         Best Practices to Enhance Patient Safety and Compliance: Recent studies collectively support the need for the standardization of SSI prevention strategies.[vi],[vii] Protocol compliance in any healthcare environment is critical, and in the case of SSI prevention strategies, patient safety hinges on the effectiveness of these practices.

Download a complimentary copy of the white paper “An Evidence-Based Approach to Preoperative Skin Cleansing Focused on Patient Compliance” at www.CloroxHealthcare.com/CHGSkinPrep.

Note: Patients should consult their doctor on the proper use of CHG for skin cleansing.

About Clorox Healthcare

Building on a century-long legacy in cleaning and disinfecting, Clorox HealthcareTM offers a wide range of products to help stop the spread of infection in healthcare facilities. From comprehensive surface disinfection, including advanced ultraviolet technology, to skin antisepsis, we are committed to providing efficacious solutions to the healthcare community. For preoperative skin cleansing, the 4% CHG Skin Cleansing Kit has all the essentials for two CHG cleanses. The kit includes key tools to aid with patient compliance, including a bilingual waterproof instruction card, a dedicated patient website, a direction for use video and a patient reminder system. For more information, visit www.CloroxHealthcare.com.