Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Although most surgeons are aware of the problem of antimicrobial resistance, most underestimate this problem in their own hospital. Incorrect and inappropriate use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, as well as poor prevention and control of infections, are contributing to the development of such resistance. Some of the most common surgical conditions, such as appendicitis and cholecystitis are infectious in nature. Additionally, healthcare-associated infections, such as surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia, are among the most common complications surgeons face in their clinical practice. In hospitals, cultural, contextual, and behavioral determinants influence clinical practice and improving behavior in infection prevention and antibiotics prescribing practice remains a challenge. Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of best practice, many surgeons fail to implement them, and evidence-based processes and practices that are known to optimize both the prevention and the treatment of infections tend to be underused in routine practice. Since surgeons are primarily responsible for the management of infections, educating them and changing the attitudes and knowledge are crucial for improving best practices in the management of infections. Educational interventions should include any attempt to persuade surgeons to modify their clinical practice.

Biography

Massimo Sartelli is specialized in general surgery with an emphasis in emergency surgery. He is Consultant Surgeon at Macerata Hospital, Italy. His scientific activity is documented by publications in National and International scientific journals. He is an Author of seven books on emergency and general surgery. In the last years, he has devoted his updating to the study of surgical sepsis. He is Associate Editor of the "World Journal of Emergency Surgery" and member of the Board of Directors of the "World Society of Emergency Surgery". He coordinated the WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections, soft tissue infections, and Clostridium difficile infection. He designed and coordinated three prospective studies on intra-abdominal infections (CIAO Study, CIAOW Study, WISS Study) identifying epidemiological and management profiles of patients with intra-abdominal infections worldwide. He is the founder and acting director of the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery. The mission of Infections in Surgery is to educate healthcare workers promoting the standards of care in managing surgical infections worldwide. Its intent is to raise awareness among healthcare workers of infections and sepsis. Up to now, members from 87 countries worldwide joined the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery.

E-mail: massimosartelli@infectionsinsurgery.org