CLABSI Rounding Team: A Collaborative Approach to Prevention

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are an ongoing concern in health care, resulting in increased mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and additional costs to hospitals.

Despite intermittent improvements in CLABSI rates within our facility, long-term sustainment has been challenging.

This was a quality improvement project including a collaborative rounding approach supported by specialty nursing roles.

In addition to implementing a variety of evidence-based interventions, the rounding team performed audits to assess performance and created focused education tools to address the identified opportunities within each individual unit.

High levels of engagement as evidenced by increased audit completion resulted in CLABSI reductions. However, 2 peaks in CLABSI rates were associated with higher volumes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalizations and decreased audits.

Despite challenges correlated with COVID-19, a collaborative rounding team promotes and enhances awareness of prevention methods and a culture of safety.