🔍 Key Findings Summary
- Population: 754 soft tissue or orthopedic procedures in dogs and cats
- SSI Rate: 62/754 (8.2%)
- Algorithms Evaluated:
- Algorithm 1: Highest sensitivity (87.1%) → best for "rule-out"
- Algorithm 2: Highest specificity (97.9%) → best for "rule-in"
- Algorithm 3: Highest overall accuracy (95.5%)
- Active vs. Passive Surveillance:
- Active surveillance detected 12 additional SSIs (19.4%) missed by passive
- Active surveillance increased detection rate by 24%
- Timing: Most SSIs occurred within 30 days; late infections (after 90 days) were rare and implant-related
- Conclusion: Client questionnaires are a valid and scalable tool for SSI detection; active surveillance improves outcomes
