Safe Practice 22 addresses appropriate skin preparation to prevent surgical site infections. This Safe Practice is one of 34 NQF-endorsed Safe Practices for Better Healthcare, which are tools to help healthcare professional provide safer care.
Safe Practice 22 was under ad hoc review because of concerns expressed about the specific type of product recommended for use to prepare skin for surgery to prevent infection. The board of directors has voted to maintain its endorsement of Safe Practice 22 with minor modifications to reflect evidence in infection prevention and perioperative preparation.
The revised Safe Practice directs providers to preoperatively use solutions that contain isopropyl alcohol as skin antiseptic preparation until other alternatives have been proven as safe and effective. The Safe Practice also directs providers to allow appropriate drying time per product guidelines.
Read the news release about NQF’s Safe Practice 22.
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