Post-discharge surveillance methods for infection of the surgical site: integrative review

Abstract

Objective

To identify post hospital discharge surveillance methods used in infection of the surgical wound.

Methods

Integrative review carried out in the PubMed, Cinahl, Lilacs, Embase, and Web of Science databases with studies published until July 2022, using controlled descriptors: Surgical Wound Infection, Surveillance, Patient Discharge, Infections Control, and Infection Control Practitioners. We identified 2,054 relevant records, and from that, we selected 17 studies. We used descriptive analysis and knowledge synthesis in each study.

Results

From the 17 selected studies, we found ten in the Pubmed database, three from Cinahl and Embase, and one from Lilacs. All of them published in English and international journals from different locations. Regarding the surveillance methods used to identify infection in the surgical wound post-hospital discharge, nine studies used telephone calls, six used medical records, four used prospective surveillance and outpatient follow-up, and others carried out a clinical evaluation, consultation of the health insurance database, virtual communication, active surveillance program, and smartphone technology. The majority (64.7%) of the selected studies used more than one surveillance method.

Conclusion

The main methods identified for infection surveillance of the surgical wound post-discharge were telephone calls, review of medical records, prospective surveillance, and outpatient follow-up, being the combination of methods a commonly used strategy.

Surgical wound infection; Surveillance; Patient discharge; Infection control; Infection control practitioners