Reducing Risk for Post-operative SSI in the Older Adult Population

Reducing Risk for Post-operative SSI in the Older Adult Population Residing in LTC Settings
Name
Institutional Affiliate
Reducing Risk for Post-operative SSI in the Older Adult Population Residing in LTC Settings
Goal
The increasing number of the aging population in the United States and other developed countries around the world correlates to the equally rising cases of chronic illnesses or conditions among the older adult population. The increasing cases of chronic conditions among the aging population or individuals within the ages of 65 and above further reflect an increasing rate of surgical procedures among the older adult population and increased exposure to SSI. The goal of this project is to develop an effective interventional measure towards reducing the risk for post-operative surgical site infections (SSI) and even prevention of the same among the older adult population in LTC settings
Overview/Abstract
The increasing rate of the aging population coupled with rising cases of chronic illnesses among the same demography correlates to the high cases of surgical site infections (SSI) among the older adult population, including those residing in long-term care (LTC) settings. The rising cases of SSI further make one of the healthcare-associated infections (HAI) accounting for mortalities and morbidities among the elderly in the United States. The intrinsic features or characteristics defining a patient’s health and well-being make for one of the categories of risk factors for SSI among the older adult population. The surgical procedures also expose such patients to SSI and constitute extrinsic risk factors. Preoperative patient preparation through the administration of antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) is an effective interventional measure for reducing both the risk of exposure to SSI and preventing the same during surgeries among the older adult population.
Background/Statement of the Problem
The United States is currently witnessing a surge in the aging population across the country with an almost proportionate increase in the cases of chronic diseases among the older adult population aged 65 years old and above. The said changes in the country’s demographic distribution weigh on the diverse changes witnessed across its healthcare system. The older adult population, for instance, is characteristic of weaker immune systems compared to the young population and thus more susceptible to diseases and infections. The rising cases of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension among the elderly or older adult population are characteristic of the weakening immune systems coupled with their less physically inactive lifestyles CITATION And14 \l 1033 (Anderson, 2014). Consequently, the older adult population is exposed to more surgical procedures as p...