NERS NEWS — Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) activity with the theme “Prevention of Surgical Wound Infections” on Friday, July 31, 2026, in the Intensive Observation Room (ROI) of the Emergency Department (IGD) at RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya. The activity targeted postoperative patients and their families as an effort to increase their knowledge of preventing surgical wound infections and supporting optimal recovery after patients return home.
The health education session was conducted through interactive lectures, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions using leaflets and educational posters. The materials covered the definition of surgical wound infections, the purpose of infection prevention, factors that increase the risk of infection, the importance of hand hygiene before and after touching a wound, ways to prevent surgical wound infections, and signs and symptoms of infection, including spreading redness, swelling, increasing pain, discharge or pus from the wound, and fever. Throughout the activity, patients and their families enthusiastically followed the session and actively discussed proper surgical wound care at home.
During the discussion session, the presenters also provided feedback on questions regarding when patients should immediately seek medical attention. Participants were able to identify signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, and wound discharge, as indications for seeking healthcare. Participants were also advised not to follow food restrictions that lack scientific evidence and to consult healthcare professionals regarding dietary concerns after surgery. Patients were instead encouraged to consume foods high in protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc to support wound healing, avoid unhygienic food and alcoholic beverages, and follow any special dietary recommendations provided by healthcare professionals.
The PKRS activity was conducted by Nursing Profession students of Batch B27, Group 5, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, consisting of Anindiya Putri R, Jannu Mufida, Nur Asa Malinda, Syah Reza Alfiana Nuro Aini, and Maulidyah Dwi Sukma A. The activity was supervised by Ners Yasinta Meyla Rosiana, S.Kep., Ns. as the clinical supervisor and Ms. Harmayetty, S.Kp., M.Kes. as the academic supervisor.
Through this activity, patients and their families are expected to be able to independently apply surgical wound infection prevention measures, both during hospitalization and after returning home. Proper wound care is expected to reduce the risk of Surgical Site Infection (SSI), accelerate the healing process, reduce the risk of complications, and improve patient safety. The activity was carried out smoothly and received positive responses from the participants. This health education also represents the contribution of Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga in supporting promotive and preventive healthcare services and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Writer: Jannu Mufida
