Case Studies
Infection Control surveillance identified 49 episodes of CLABSI from July 2008-June 2009, greater than the NHSN benchmark of less than 2.4 per 1,000. A multidisciplinary team was created to analyze processes and find the root cause. As a result, a 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing…
After experiencing an increase in CLABSI, the vascular access team and infection prevention and control practitioners conducted root cause analysis to determine a variety of contributing factors.
Using a sequential rapid cycle improvement process to implement evidence-based practices for central line blood stream infection prevention, the hospital reduced its critical care central line blood stream infection rate from 14.6 per 1,000 device days in 2004 to zero for the past 57 months. A…
The goal of this program was to reduce the number of Foley catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The cardiac telemetry unit implemented a CAUTI prevention bundle including best practices for prevention: avoiding unnecessary use of urinary catheters; using aseptic technique for insertion…
A patient care initiative was created to eliminate catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Baseline data was collected and a process improvement team was created. Protocol was revised to include collection of an automatic urine specimen upon catheterization and automatic removal of the…
Infection control data demonstrated an increase in the incidence of primary bacteremia associated with hemodialysis and was reported at a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 dialysis catheter days. The cases were reviewed and found to be consistent with staphylococcus suggesting skin as the source organism. A…
As part of Franciscan St. James Health's commitment to improve the surgery processes, the hospital joined the three-year quality improvement organization initiative offered by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A strong multidisciplinary team comprised of departments that impacted the…
Fairfield Memorial Hospital identified the need to improve the patient experience in the emergency department through meaningful interactions between the medical team, patients and families. A Studer Group Coach provided on-site consultation and instruction on AIDET (acknowledge, introduce,…
Among the agencies that have made a substantial effort toward competency is the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, in Lexington, Kentucky. Serving nearly 4,800 long-term care residents in nursing homes, family and personal care homes across 17 counties in Kentucky's Bluegrass…
Although Maryland enjoys the third highest median income in the United States, the state suffers from some glaring health disparities that primarily affect the racial and ethnic minorities who make up nearly 42 percent of its population. But with renewed interest in health equity, the state is…