Surgical Site Infections and the Digital Space

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are reported to affect around two percent of foot and ankle surgeries, with forefoot having the highest incidence. The significant impact on the cost of care and satisfaction with care motivates us to decrease this number.

Digital resources are part of the solution

In their recent study, "Remote diagnosis of surgical-site infection using a mobile digital intervention: a randomized controlled trial in emergency surgery patients," authors McLean, K.A., Mountain, K.E., Shaw, C.A. et al. compared routine postoperative care to smart phone delivered wound assessment at three, seven, and 15 days. The smart phone group had significantly reduced community care attendance and much better experiences in accessing care.

Seems like a great idea for the foot and ankle surgeon to decrease risk and enhance patient satisfaction.