Lauren Heckelman

Introduction/Problem

A central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is a preventable hospital-acquired infections associated with adverse patient outcomes. Although the consensus is prevention bundles are effective, some previous studies have failed to establish a correlation between bundles and a decrease in the CLABSI rate. The three participating units had five CLABSIs during pre-implementation. The purpose of the Quality Improvement (QI) project was to decrease the CLABSI rate by at least 50%.

Methods

After identifying patients with central lines using the electronic charting system, the project leader visited potential and continuing participants, noted checklist compliance, provided education, and encouraged patient and family engagement in prevention.

Findings

Compared to pre-implementation, the CLABSI rate decreased to 0 infections per 1000 central line device days. Although the decrease in mean monthly infections was statistically significant, the decrease in the CLABSI rate was not.

Practice Implication

Although the decrease in the CLABSI rate was not statistically significant, the evidence demonstrates a correlation between the intervention and a decrease in mean monthly infections. Therefore, the engagement of patients and families in promoting bundle compliance is associated with a decrease in mean monthly CLABSIs. The practice implementation is patients and families can play an important role in infection prevention and improving patient outcomes.

Dissemination: Accepted for Presentation at MNRS.