A quality improvement project to decrease utilization of multilumen peripherally inserted central catheters

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Infection Control
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare

Background:

• Multilumen peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with increased risks.
• Optimizing PICC utilization is crucial for patient safety and resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease the utilization of multilumen PICCs.
• To promote the use of single-lumen PICCs and midline catheters.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a quality improvement project.
• Optimization of electronic ordering systems.
• Provider education and decision support interventions.

Main Results:

• Reduced utilization of multilumen PICCs.
• Shift in provider ordering patterns towards preferred devices.
• Observed downward trend in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).

Conclusions:

• Interventions effectively decreased multilumen PICC use.
• Quality improvement strategies can alter clinical practice and reduce infection rates.
• Single-lumen PICCs and midlines are viable alternatives to multilumen PICCs.