The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Services, Risk Management, and Infection Prevention in Surgical Settings: A Qualitative Study

<b>Background/Objective</b> In every surgical environment, the prevention of surgical site infections is not merely desirable but essential, given their profound impact on patient health and healthcare costs. To optimize patient care during surgery, a thorough exploration and assessment of all intraoperative nursing practices are necessary, guided by empirical evidence. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences with surgical site infection prevention practices in the intraoperative setting. <b>Methods</b> Twenty-one nurses working in clinical settings in Hong Kong participated in semi-structured interviews for this qualitative study. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. <b>Results</b> Four main themes were identified from the interview data: ensuring safety and minimizing threats; facing silent, intangible, and hidden risks; team collaboration in eliminating risks; and persistent knowledge acquisition. <b>Conclusions</b> Nurses encountered diverse obstacles tied to teamwork, updated knowledge, communication, and patient safety. Enhanced quality of care in clinical settings can be achieved through strategic implementations. Focusing on quality improvement initiatives, establishing consistent teams, and recognizing the vital role of nurses strengthen care delivery. These actions contribute significantly to preventing surgical site infections and ensuring patient safety during intraoperative nursing practices.