Provides evidence-based recommendations for interventions to be applied during the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSI).

These guidelines provide 29 evidence-based recommendations for interventions to be applied during the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSI), while also considering aspects related to resource availability, values and preferences.

The primary target audience is the surgical team, that is, surgeons, nurses, technical support staff, anaesthetists and any professionals directly providing surgical care. Pharmacists and sterilization unit staff will also be concerned by some aspects of these guidelines. The recommendations are also intended to be used by policy-makers, senior managers and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals as the basis for developing national and local SSI protocols and policies, and supporting staff education and training.