Consensus Recommendations on the Prevention and Management of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in the Philippine Setting

Over the years, strategies in the prevention and management of surgical site infections (SSI) of patients in the Philippines have never been standardized. Several guidelines released by international foreign bodies have been found to be either conflicting or inappropriate for adaptation in the local context. To address these issues, the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS), in collaboration with the Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society (PHICS), Philippine Hospital Infection Control Nurses Association (PHICNA) and Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc. (ORNAP), initiated the development and adaptation of country-specific SSI guidelines in 2017. The new recommendations are based on the latest clinical practice guidelines released for the past five years and consensus by a panel of experts in the Philippines, through the assistance of a guideline development team engaged by PCS. Thirty-six (36) recommendations on different aspects of care were outlined. Implementation of an SSI surveillance program was also advised for health facilities. The new guidelines are intended to serve as the local benchmark for the prevention and management of SSI for surgeons and practitioners, taking into account their situation and experience in the Philippines. It is expected to improve the standard of care provided by health facilities and contribute to the reduction of the prevalence and incidence of SSI in the country.