The aim of these guidelines is to provide a comprehensive range of
evidence-based recommendations for interventions to be applied during
the pre-, intra-, and postoperative periods for the prevention of
surgical site infection (SSI) while also considering aspects related to
resource availability and values and preferences.
Although the guidelines are intended for surgical patients of all ages,
some recommendations do not apply to the pediatric population due to
lack of evidence or inapplicability, and this is clearly stated.
The primary target audience for these guidelines is the surgical team:
surgeons, nurses, technical support staff, anesthetists, and any
professionals directly providing surgical care. Pharmacists and
sterilization unit staff will also be concerned by some aspects of these
guidelines. The recommendations are also intended to be used by
policy-makers, senior managers, and infection prevention and control
(IPC) professionals as the basis for developing national and local SSI
protocols and policies as well as supporting staff education and
training.