Surgical site infection safeguards
This example turns a surgical-site infection pathway into a barrier-based discussion. Contamination is the top event because it is the loss of control that occurs before infection or readmission. The left side identifies threats that can make contamination more likely and the practices intended to prevent it. The right side identifies clinical consequences and the recovery actions that can detect and limit harm. It is useful for a perioperative team reviewing how a patient moves from preparation through postoperative observation. Add local ownership, audit methods and escalation factors when the diagram is used in a formal safety review. It does not replace infection-prevention procedures, clinical assessment or patient-specific treatment decisions.
Open it in the AI editor with a prompt pre-filled — keep what works, change what doesn't.
Scenario
Surgical safety review
Key decisions
- Hazard: Keep the procedure context visible.
- Top event: Use contamination rather than infection.
- Prevention: Place sterile and timing controls on threat paths.
- Recovery: Include surveillance and escalation after surgery.
When to reuse this
Use for a perioperative safety discussion and adapt it to local protocols.
Frequently asked questions
Why is contamination the top event?
What belongs on the left?
Who can use this diagram?
Tweak it with chat, export PNG/SVG, or fork it for your own use case.