Use of standardized order sets are one way of providing more reliable antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce surgical site infections. Charleston Area Medical Center has developed post-operative order sets for cardiac surgery. In the standard order set, discontinuation of antibiotics within 24 hours post-op is the default, however, options are made available for exceptions when clinically appropriate. To improve compliance with documentation, the most common reasons for continuation are listed.

Organizations working on reducing surgical site infections, and specifically on discontinuation of antibiotics within 24 hours, may find these order sets helpful in creating their own standard approach.