Elimination of CLABSI Through Best Practices in an Urban Acute Care Hospital

Following a high rate of central line-associated blood stream infections in the fourth quarter of 2008, a performance improvement project was initiated with the goal of eliminating all CLABSIs while providing safe, effective, efficient and patient-centered care to patients with central lines. A coordinated interdisciplinary plan was put in place and strict adherence to central line insertion site planning and procedural protocols was enforced.

Observing hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, optimal catheter site selection (subclavian vein preferred), daily review of line necessity, and assignment of daily rounding and site care and dressing changes to the IV therapy team for care continuity have resulted in a zero CLABSI rate since the
second quarter of 2009.

Read the whole case study below (click 'view item').

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)