Central Line Care: Empowering Patients to Prevent Infection and Injury Via EPIC2

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) increase mortality, hospital stays, and costs.
• Hematology-oncology patients face higher CLABSI risk due to immunocompromise and frequent central line use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease CLABSI rates in a hematology-oncology unit with a history of high infection rates.
• To implement a quality improvement project (EPIC2) to address persistent CLABSI challenges.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the theory of planned behavior to modify patient actions regarding central line care.
• Leveraged patient engagement strategies, inspired by the Partners in Your Care© handwashing study, to promote accountability.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 43% reduction in CLABSI rates, decreasing from 5.69 to 3.24 during the intervention period.
• Patients reported increased empowerment to address and report improper central line care practices.

Conclusions:

• The EPIC2 project demonstrated significant success in reducing CLABSIs through patient-centered behavioral change.
• Engaging patients as active participants is a viable strategy for improving central line care and reducing healthcare-associated infections.