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Using a Checklist to Decrease Central Line Infections in the Intensive Care Unit
Charles S Reynolds1, Jill L Cunningham, Yeow Chye Ng
1Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama (Drs Reynolds and Ng); Department Chair at Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Cunningham); Nursing Instructor at Nursing Department, Calhoun Community College, Alabama (Ms Dean).
Insights
Implementing a central line clinical protocol checklist significantly reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in an intensive care unit (ICU). This evidence-based intervention lowered infection rates, improving patient safety and reducing healthcare burdens.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) represent a significant burden of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
- Elevated CLABSI rates in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) necessitated targeted intervention.
- CLABSIs impose substantial financial and medical costs on healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an evidence-based central line clinical protocol to prevent CLABSIs.
- To reduce the incidence of CLABSIs within a medical ICU setting.
Main Methods:
- A quality improvement project was conducted in a 16-bed medical ICU.
- A nine-question checklist and associated education were utilized as the core intervention.
- The intervention focused on preventing CLABSIs in ICU patients.
Main Results:
- Pre-intervention CLABSI rates were 6.13 and 5.68 over eight-week periods.
- Post-intervention CLABSI rates decreased to 4.41 and 0.0 over eight-week periods.
- A significant reduction in CLABSI rates was observed following intervention implementation.
Conclusions:
- The implementation of the central line clinical protocol checklist effectively decreased CLABSI rates.
- This evidence-based intervention demonstrates success in improving patient safety within the ICU.
- The study highlights the impact of targeted protocols on reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Abstract:
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are common types of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) that can place heavy financial and medical burdens on healthcare practices and facilities. In the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a medical center, the CLABSI rate rose to 6.60.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project was to develop and implement an evidence-based central line clinical protocol (paper checklist) to prevent CLABSIs in the ICU.
Methods:
A quality improvement project was implemented in a 16-bed medical ICU. The project focused on the use of a nine-question checklist and education on the use of the checklist to decrease the occurrence of CLABSIs in ICU patients.
Results:
During the eight weeks of the pre-intervention period, the CLABSI rates were 6.13 and 5.68. During the eight weeks of the post-intervention period, the CLABSI rates were 4.41 and 0.0.
Conclusions:
Implementation of this intervention showed a decrease in CLABSI rates.
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