Antibiotics One Hour Before Incision

The Reading Hospital percentages displayed in this graph reflect discharges during second quarter 2011. State and national rates from the US Department of Health & Human Services are for discharges between October 2009 and September 2010.

Why is this important?

Antibiotics are medicines to prevent and treat infections. Research shows that surgery patients who get antibiotics within the hour before their operation are less likely to get wound infections. Getting an antibiotic earlier, or after surgery begins, is not as effective. This shows how often hospitals make sure surgery patients get antibiotics at the right time.

Our approach to improving performance:

We are participating in the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), a national initiative which allows us to adopt practice guidelines to provide the best care possible. Our multidisciplinary healthcare team meets regularly to review the SCIP data and take necessary actions to improve our care.

We have implemented a process to ensure that antibiotics have been given before surgery begins.