Surgical site infection: part 2: definitions for surgical site infections: a training programme for national surveillance

Following the article by Reilly and Kilpatrick (2004) describing a national surveillance system, this second article in the series focuses on the importance of utilising standardised definitions for surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance programmes. By consistently applying recognised, validated definitions across surveillance systems, data can be truly comparable. Furthermore, training in definitions may ensure that they are applied appropriately, therefore ensuring that valid and reliable data are collated and subsequently fed back to all those involved, which is crucial for the success of surveillance.

A training programme in Scotland has been established in order to ensure all clinicians are appropriately engaged and able to participate reliably in the national programme, which was set up following publication of Health Department Letter (HDL) 57 (2001) A Framework for National Surveillance for Hospital Acquired Infection in Scotland. This article outlines the training programme devised to support the Scottish Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infection Programme (SSHAIP). The SSHAIP team based at the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) has been tasked with supporting national surveillance within Scotland following the recommendations given in HDL 57 (2001).