VA Medical Center Implements Evidence-Based Colorectal SSI Prevention Bundle

Multidisciplinary team translates research into consistent clinical practice to reduce surgical site infections.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:37am

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A glowing neon outline of a surgical instrument against a dark background, conceptually representing the evidence-based approach to reducing colorectal surgical site infections.An innovative approach to colorectal surgical site infection prevention aims to translate evidence into consistent clinical practice.Chicago Today

At the 2026 AORN Global Surgical Conference, a team from the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center presented their successful implementation of an evidence-based colorectal surgical site infection (SSI) prevention bundle. Led by Mark William Crucero and colleagues, the initiative focused on standardizing isolation techniques through interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing monitoring.

Why it matters

Surgical site infections remain a significant challenge, especially in high-risk colorectal procedures where the risk of contamination is inherently high. By translating research into consistent clinical practice, the VA team aimed to reduce SSI rates and improve patient outcomes.

The details

The team used the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model to guide implementation, conducting a literature review and collaborating with surgeons to select evidence-based interventions. Education sessions were held to build buy-in, and the team worked with Sterile Processing Service to develop a dedicated closing mayo tray to support the isolation protocol. An audit tool was created to track compliance, and SSI rates were monitored quarterly.

  • The initiative was presented at the 2026 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo (AORN26).
  • SSI rates increased by 3% between 2022 and 2023, underscoring the need for renewed prevention efforts.

The players

Mark William Crucero

MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, CNAMB, NE-BC, NPD-BC, PCCN, led the initiative at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

Stephanie R. Marino

BSN, RN, CNOR, was part of the team that implemented the colorectal SSI prevention bundle.

Dorissa Poliquit

BSN, RN, CNOR, was part of the team that implemented the colorectal SSI prevention bundle.

Vernalou Reyes

MSN, RN, was part of the team that implemented the colorectal SSI prevention bundle.

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center

The medical center where the colorectal SSI prevention bundle was implemented.

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What’s next

The team plans to continue monitoring compliance with the colorectal isolation protocol and SSI rates to ensure the initiative's sustained impact.

The takeaway

This evidence-based approach to reducing colorectal SSIs demonstrates the importance of translating research into consistent clinical practice through interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and ongoing monitoring. The model can be applied across surgical specialties to improve patient outcomes.