The measures listed below represent the best practices for the prevention of infections and blood clots after selected surgeries (e.g., colon surgery, hip and knee arthroplasty, abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery).

Patients with contraindications to any of the recommended treatments are excluded from the scores for that treatment. Higher percentages indicate better performance.

Preventive Antibiotic Started 1 Hour Before Surgery

• THIS SCORE TELLS YOU the percent of eligible patients who received prophylactic or preventive antibiotics within one hour prior to surgical incision.
  
  
• THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT because surgery patients given antibiotics, medicines that prevent and treat infections, within the hour before their operation are less likely to get wound infections. Getting an antibiotic over an hour earlier or after surgery begins is not as effective.

Preventive Antibiotic Stopped Within 24 Hours

• THIS SCORE TELLS YOU the percent of eligible surgical patients whose prophylactic or preventive antibiotics were stopped within 24 hours after surgery ended (or 48 hours after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft or other cardiac surgery). Antibiotics are medicines that prevent and treat infections.
  
  
• THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT because taking antibiotics for more than 24 hours after routine surgery is usually not necessary and can increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach aches, serious types of diarrhea, and resistance to the antibiotic (the use of too much antibiotic can prevent them from being effective). There are, however, exceptions. If the surgical site has been contaminated, there may be a need for additional antibiotics after 24 hours. Talk to your doctor to determine how long you should take antibiotics after surgery.

Appropriate Antibiotic Received

• THIS SCORE TELLS YOU the percent of surgery patients who received the appropriate preventive antibiotic(s) for their surgery in order to prevent a surgical wound infection.
  
  
• THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT because certain antibiotics are recommended to help prevent wound infection for particular types of surgery. Hospitals can reduce the risk of wound infection after surgery by making sure the patient gets the right medication at the right time on the day of their surgery.

Treatment Preventing Blood Clots (VTEs) Ordered

• THIS SCORE TELLS YOU the percent of patients with certain types of surgeries whose doctors ordered treatments to prevent blood clots, called venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, anytime from hospital arrival to 48 hours after surgery has ended.
  
  
• THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT because venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the vein, limiting blood flow, causing swelling, redness and pain. If the clot breaks off (embolus), it can lodge itself in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can lead to death. Doctors can order preventive treatments called prophylaxis to reduce the risk. These treatments may include blood thinning medications, elastic support stockings, or mechanical air stockings that promote blood circulation.

Treatment Preventing Blood Clots (VTEs) Received

• THIS SCORE TELLS YOU the percent of patients who received the appropriate treatment to prevent blood clots called venous thromboembolism (VTE) at the right time.
  
  
• THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT because venous thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots (thrombus) form in the vein, usually in the leg, thigh or pelvis, and may limit blood flow, causing swelling, redness and pain. If the clot breaks off, it can lodge itself in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can lead to death. Doctors can order preventive treatments to reduce the risk. These treatments may include blood thinning medications, elastic support stockings, or mechanical air stockings that promote blood circulation.