Surgical site infections are a major contributor to patient injury, mortality and healthcare costs. About 30 million surgeries are performed in the United States each year, and variations in outcomes occur despite advances in surgical and anesthesia techniques and improvements in perioperative care.

Join NJHA Sept. 15 for a full-day conference to explore new, innovative strategies to improve surgical care from best practice innovators in New Jersey and around the country.

Surgical site infections number about 500,000 a year and account for approximately 25 percent of the estimated 2 million healthcare-acquired infections in the United States. Patients with post-surgical infections are five times more likely to be admitted to the ICU, have mortality rates twice that of the average hospitalized patient and have lengths of stay days longer on average – all of which have significant impact on healthcare costs. Some of these infections are now considered to be hospital-acquired, and the increased costs of hospitalization may not be reimbursed by various payers.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, or ERAS, have resulted in shorter hospitals stays, as well as reductions in surgical complications, readmissions and related costs. Key elements include engaging patients and families, using state-of-the-art analgesia, early mobility and restoration of functional status, avoidance of prolonged periods of fasting and evidence-based best practices.

Topics for the conference will include ERAS concepts, ethics in surgery, best-practice ERAS in New Jersey and surgical safety and anesthesiology. Physicians, nurses, surgical services staff and anesthesia staff are encouraged to attend. 

Click here for more information and to register. Continuing education credits are provided.