Date
9-17-2026
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Chair
Rachel Joseph
Keywords
surgical site infections (SSI), Chlorhexidine (CHG), preoperative, education, compliance, adherence
Disciplines
Nursing
Recommended Citation
Ross, Mary Samantha, "Re-education on Chlorhexidine (CHG) Bathing Protocol Affects Patient CHG Bathing Compliance and Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Rates" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8962.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8962
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSI) are considered a hospital-acquired infection, leading to increased hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, increased cost, morbidity, mortality rates, and poor postoperative outcomes. The literature review demonstrated the benefits of preoperative Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing, but called for standardized protocols, improved education, and patient compliance. Research and clinical experience supported the need for improved patient compliance with CHG bathing. Consistent SSI rates even after protocol changes called for re-education of nursing staff in addition to addressing patient compliance issues. Therefore, providing re-education on the updated protocol, which addresses patient compliance issues, can lead to a reduction in SSI and improved patient compliance rates. The purpose of this project was to analyze the impact of nursing education and patient adherence to preoperative CHG usage and its overall effect on SSI rates. This project utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-education nursing surveys. Education was presented to nursing staff during staff meetings and via direct verbal communication with the project lead. Survey results examined nursing knowledge and opinion of the CHG protocol and patient compliance. Pre and post-surveys results were compared, depicting an increase in nursing knowledge regarding CHG bathing protocol. Patient compliance rates and SSI rates were calculated for 1 month before and after implementation. Outcomes one month post implementation included an increase in nursing knowledge regarding CHG bathing protocol and, improved patient compliance; however, and no changes in SSI numbers were noted. Future monitoring may reveal SSI rate changes related to a 90 day reporting window.
