Diminishing Surgical Site Infections in Australia: Time Trends in Infection Rates, Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Using a Comprehensive Victorian Surveillance Program, 2002-2013

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate time trends in surgical site infection (SSI) rates and SSI pathogens in Australia. DESIGN: Prospective multicenter observational cohort study. SETTING: A group of 81 Australian healthcare facilities participating in the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS). PATIENTS: All patients underwent surgeries performed between October 1, 2002, and June 30, 2013. National Healthcare Safety Network SSI surveillance methods were employed by the infection prevention staff at the participating hospitals. INTERVENTION: Procedure-specific risk-adjusted SSI rates were calculated. Pathogen-specific and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections were model..