Background and Significance: The use of protected elective surgical units (PESU), also known as "ring-fenced" units for elective surgery, refers to reserving hospital beds specifically for patients undergoing elective or non-emergent procedures. A ring-fenced elective orthopedic unit is only open to patients admitted to the hospital to undergo elective orthopedic procedures as they have been previously screened for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and staffed by a dedicated team of nurses and therapists. By providing a separate area for elective surgeries, the primary benefits of protected elective surgical units are their ability to reduce the risk of infection and improve patient outcomes. Purpose: This project aims to reduce surgical site infections (SSI), decrease length of stay (LOS), and improve satisfaction by ring-fencing elective surgery patients. Methods: This evidence-based practice project was conducted at a Midwestern hospital. Patients were eligible if they were undergoing an elective procedure during the timeframe of this project. Evaluation: Data was collected utilizing valid data from the electronic health records of patients included in this project. This project also used the organization's Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) data. Outcomes: Outcomes for this project include decreased SSI, decreased LOS, and increased patient satisfaction. Implications/Conclusion: This project will show that admitting patients to a ring-fenced unit after elective surgery improves patient outcomes.
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