D226
WGU
BSNU Capstone (Western Governors University) D226 Assessment
task 1
Implementing Enhanced Sterilization Protocols to Reduce Surgical Site Infections in the
Operating Room
Sophia Martinez
Western Governors University
Justine Elmer
D226
, Introduction
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are among the leading and most expensive hospital-
acquired complications in healthcare provision (Petrosyan et al., 2021). As supported by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SSIs are estimated to contribute to 20% of
all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These infections can result in more extended
hospital stays, readmissions, new operations, and even death in some instances. Especially since
OR is a susceptible area that requires careful handling, incorporating new value-based
approaches to minimize the occurrence of SSIs can help save lives and reduce spending
(Jackson et al., 2022).
This proposal covers all the details of how the new sterilization protocol will be
implemented in the OR. The protocol seeks to lower hospital-acquired SSIs by optimizing
preoperative and intraoperative sterilization methods (Smith et al., 2023). This call for change
involves implementing new technologies for sterilization and having several sterilization control
points during operations. This change will entail yard activities of key stakeholders in the OR
and the hospital infection control team, alongside seeking leadership approval for resource
procurement. The following sub-topics explain what the proposal entails, how it will be
executed, and the expected results.
A. Proposal
1. Innovative Value-Based Healthcare Change
The proposed change aims to decrease the number of SSIs by implementing a better
sterilization process in the Operating Room. The new protocol involves implementing more pre-
operative, intra-operative, and post-operative compliance checks and infection control measures.
In particular, the shift involves using technologies like UV light disinfection devices and
increasing the sterilization standards for the tools used during surgeries and other surfaces. This
WGU
BSNU Capstone (Western Governors University) D226 Assessment
task 1
Implementing Enhanced Sterilization Protocols to Reduce Surgical Site Infections in the
Operating Room
Sophia Martinez
Western Governors University
Justine Elmer
D226
, Introduction
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are among the leading and most expensive hospital-
acquired complications in healthcare provision (Petrosyan et al., 2021). As supported by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SSIs are estimated to contribute to 20% of
all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These infections can result in more extended
hospital stays, readmissions, new operations, and even death in some instances. Especially since
OR is a susceptible area that requires careful handling, incorporating new value-based
approaches to minimize the occurrence of SSIs can help save lives and reduce spending
(Jackson et al., 2022).
This proposal covers all the details of how the new sterilization protocol will be
implemented in the OR. The protocol seeks to lower hospital-acquired SSIs by optimizing
preoperative and intraoperative sterilization methods (Smith et al., 2023). This call for change
involves implementing new technologies for sterilization and having several sterilization control
points during operations. This change will entail yard activities of key stakeholders in the OR
and the hospital infection control team, alongside seeking leadership approval for resource
procurement. The following sub-topics explain what the proposal entails, how it will be
executed, and the expected results.
A. Proposal
1. Innovative Value-Based Healthcare Change
The proposed change aims to decrease the number of SSIs by implementing a better
sterilization process in the Operating Room. The new protocol involves implementing more pre-
operative, intra-operative, and post-operative compliance checks and infection control measures.
In particular, the shift involves using technologies like UV light disinfection devices and
increasing the sterilization standards for the tools used during surgeries and other surfaces. This
