Achieving and Sustaining Zero: Preventing Surgical Site Infections After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass With Saphenous Vein Harvest Site Through Implementation of a Staff-Driven Quality Improvement Process.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) increase morbidity and mortality, hospital costs, length of stay, readmissions, and risk of litigation and may impact a facility's reputation.

Methods: Through implementation of a Six Sigma, interdisciplinary team process and the Contextual Model for change engaged all stakeholders. A total of 44 perioperative processes were evaluated, with 15 processes ultimately altered.