ACORN National Conference May 2010

26 May 2010

Key Speaker, Mr Ian Gilfillan (Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon), spoke on SSI management in cardio-thoracic surgery and clinical outcomes at the Kimberly-Clark pre-conference workshop on SSIs at the National ACORN conference in Perth on the 19th May.

Surgical Site Infections: Overview and Impact

Despite significant advances in infection control practices, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients who develop SSIs are 60% more likely to spend time in an ICU, five times more likely to be re-admitted to hospital and have twice the incidence of mortality.

The workshop presented an overview of the impact of SSIs, reviewed the risk factors and classification systems that indicate a patient’s susceptibility to an SSI and explored various perioperative infection prevention strategies related to the patient, surgical environment and member of the surgical team.

For those that missed the event, DVDs of the workshop will be available shortly. In the meantime, the presentation is available at the following YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kpJXTsHd5c

Comfort You Can See

Visitors to the Kimberly-Clark tradeshow throughout ACORN conference (19th – 23rd May) were also able to experience the NEW MICROCOOL* Breathable Impervious Surgical Gowns.

Like top athletes, surgical teams count on their specialised apparel for far more than just coverage. The OR can be a very hazardous environment, where clinicians routinely risk exposure to blood, fluids and pathogens.

New MicroCool* Gowns deliver high levels of protection but in a softer, less-bulky material. Two out of three wearers in a Kimberly-Clark comfort study rated New MicroCool* Gowns more comfortable than ever.

In preparing to introduce users to New MicroCool* Gowns, Kimberly-Clark scientists developed a new “breathability” test method. In this demonstration, an indicator strip will change colour to show the rate at which vapours are allowed to pass through the gown fabric.

The breathability of MicroCool* gown fabric causes the indicator to change colour almost instantly, compared to other competitive gown materials. To see the demonstration for yourself, visit www.kchealthcare.com/microcool.

For those that attended the ACORN National Conference, delegates were able to experience the comfort and strength for themselves, by subjecting a model dressed in the NEW MICROCOOL* Gown to some extreme situations such as firing coloured liquid directly onto the gown to show just how tough the new gowns really are! Some pictures of the event are below:

“Surgeons have reported... heat-related discomfort during long surgical procedures due to increased physical and mental effort... combined with an inability to evaporate sweat through protective surgical clothing. Thus the work performance of the surgeon might be impaired.”

Whether running a marathon – or working through a marathon surgical procedure – professionals need to be comfortable and confident to perform at their best. New MicroCool* Gowns can help deliver that critical competitive edge.

For more information:

Angela Green

Senior Product Manager – Surgical Solutions

Kimberly-Clark Asia Pacific
02 9963 8808
Email: angela.green@kcc.com

Or

Denise O’Connor

Senior Product Manager – Surgical Gowns and Drapes
Kimberly-Clark Asia Pacific
02 9963 8614
Email: denise.oconnor@kcc.com