Stronger Together: The Value of Collaboration Between Infection Preventionists and Perioperative Nursing Professionals

In today’s complex surgical environment, the stakes are high. Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) remain one of the most common—and costly—healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), accounting for significant patient morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. While many evidence-based interventions exist to reduce SSIs, their success depends heavily on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Among the most powerful partnerships in the fight against SSIs is the alliance between infection preventionists (IPs) and perioperative nursing professionals.

Bridging Two Worlds: Clinical Practice Meets Epidemiological Expertise

Perioperative nurses are at the front lines of the surgical process—managing sterile technique, coordinating with surgeons and anesthesia, and ensuring the operating room functions smoothly and safely. Infection preventionists, on the other hand, bring a systems-based and data-driven lens to patient safety. They interpret epidemiological trends, apply surveillance definitions, and translate regulatory guidance into operational reality.

When these two groups come together with mutual respect and shared goals, they can create a powerful synergy that transforms clinical outcomes. Each brings critical knowledge that complements the other—creating a safety net that protects both patients and staff from preventable harm.

The Impact on Surgical Site Infection Reduction

SSIs are influenced by a multitude of variables: patient risk factors, intraoperative practices, sterilization procedures, and environmental conditions, to name a few. This complexity makes collaboration essential.

Infection Preventionists Contribute:

• Expertise in interpreting surveillance data and identifying patterns of concern
• Knowledge of CDC, NHSN, and SHEA/IDSA Guidelines
• Evidence-based recommendations for skin prep, antibiotic timing, and postoperative care
• Root cause analysis techniques following infection events

Perioperative Nurses Contribute:

• First-hand knowledge of surgical workflows and OR culture
• Knowledge of AORN Guidelines
• Technical skill in aseptic technique, instrumentation, and traffic control
• Real-time visibility into policy compliance and practical barriers to implementation
• Influence over frontline staff adherence to infection control measures

Together, they can proactively design interventions tailored to the unique conditions of each perioperative environment. For example, perioperative staff may notice inconsistencies in instrument drying practices, while infection preventionists may identify that a rise in SSIs is linked to improperly processed scopes. Collaborating to resolve both operational and epidemiological factors creates a much more robust response than either discipline could achieve alone.

Case in Point: Collaborative Rounding

One of the most effective ways to foster this collaboration is through joint OR rounding. When IPs and perioperative leaders round together, they observe practices in real time, discuss improvements on the spot, and build stronger relationships with staff. Rounding becomes less about enforcement and more about shared learning.

In one community hospital system, introducing monthly interdisciplinary rounds led to the identification and remediation of multiple infection risks—including traffic flow violations, gaps in pre-op warming practices, and outdated terminal cleaning procedures. Within six months, the facility reported a 25% reduction in their SSI rate for colorectal procedures.

Breaking Down Silos and Building Trust

Despite the shared goals, silos often still exist between infection prevention and surgical services. Differing priorities, communication styles, and leadership chains can impede collaboration. Overcoming these barriers starts with intentional relationship-building.

• Regular joint meetings can provide structured opportunities to review infection data, discuss product trials, or co-develop education campaigns.
• Co-led training programs for frontline staff can reinforce the unity of the message—showing that preventing SSIs is not the responsibility of one group, but the shared duty of the entire surgical team.
• Shared decision-making in product selection or protocol changes ensures both practical feasibility and clinical effectiveness are considered.

By cultivating a culture of trust and teamwork, infection preventionists and perioperative professionals can avoid a punitive atmosphere and instead create a climate of accountability and mutual respect. This is an essential aspect of the Just Culture methodology.

Beyond SSIs: Broader Clinical and Operational Gains

While SSI reduction may be the primary motivator, the benefits of collaboration extend well beyond a single metric. Working together, IPs and perioperative teams can impact:

• Improved compliance with infection prevention bundles
• Faster implementation of new guidelines or product evaluations
• Reduced environmental bioburden through enhanced OR cleaning protocols
• Use of Continuous Air Disinfection Devices at Point-of-Care within the Operating Room and other procedural areas
• More resilient practices during periods of supply chain disruption or staffing turnover

Moreover, strong collaboration supports better preparedness for emerging threats—from multi-drug resistant organisms to pandemic response protocols. When infection prevention and perioperative leaders have established communication and trust, they can act more swiftly and cohesively in times of crisis

A Call to Action

The work of preventing SSIs and protecting surgical patients is both high-stakes and highly collaborative. Infection preventionists and perioperative nurses each bring unique strengths—but their impact is multiplied when they work together as strategic allies. Whether you’re a veteran in the OR or a newly certified infection preventionist, there’s always an opportunity to reach across departments and initiate a partnership grounded in shared purpose. Attend each other’s committee meetings. Invite a colleague on your next environmental round. Co-author a new protocol or training series. These actions don’t just build rapport—they build a safer environment for patients and caregivers alike. In the ongoing effort to improve surgical outcomes, one truth stands clear: when we collaborate, we elevate.