Introduction

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) remain a major cause of prolonged hospital stay, readmissions, re-operations, and increased antimicrobial use. The postoperative phase is especially critical because wound healing is actively ongoing and the surgical site is vulnerable to contamination, dressing-related lapses, improper drain care, and delayed recognition of early infection signs. This module focuses on evidence-based postoperative practices that reduce SSI risk, strengthen wound-care discipline, and ensure timely identification and escalation of complications across inpatient and post-discharge settings.

Scope

This program covers SSI prevention measures from the moment the surgery is completed through recovery and discharge follow-up, including:

• Immediate postoperative wound protection and aseptic dressing practices
• Postoperative hand hygiene and contact precautions during wound care
• Drain, catheter, and device care relevant to SSI risk
• Optimal postoperative temperature control, glycemic control, and oxygenation support (where applicable)
• Antibiotic stewardship principles after surgery (avoiding unnecessary prolongation)
• Early detection of SSI: surveillance, documentation, and escalation pathways
• Patient education for home wound care, warning signs, and follow-up compliance
• Standardization using checklists, bundles, and audit-based improvement approaches

Objectives

By the end of the program, learners will be able to:

• Explain why SSIs occur in the postoperative phase and identify preventable risk factors
• Perform and supervise aseptic wound care and dressing changes using standard precautions
• Implement safe practices for drain management and postoperative device handling
• Recognize early clinical indicators of SSI and initiate appropriate escalation and reporting
• Apply postoperative bundle elements (temperature, glucose, wound care, surveillance) in daily practice
• Educate patients/caregivers on correct wound care, hygiene, and red-flag symptoms after discharge
• Support unit-level quality improvement through checklists, audits, and feedback loops

Who can enroll

This course is suitable for:

• Staff nurses, OT nurses, ICU nurses, ward nurses
• Surgeons, anesthetists, residents, and junior doctors
• Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) nurses and HIC team members
• Quality managers, NABH/NABL coordinators, patient safety officers
• Operating room technicians, nursing students, and allied healthcare staff involved in postoperative care

Study content from TERRALEAP.COM

Learners receive structured study support from TERRALEAP.COM, including:

To support learning and practical implementation, this program includes videos and PDF-based study resources provided through TERRALEAP.COM.