From Concern to Control: Feedback from a quality improvement project to decrease Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) present a high risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in infants.
• Existing CLABSI rates necessitate targeted interventions to meet national healthcare benchmarks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a quality improvement project (QIP) aimed at reducing CLABSI rates in a NICU setting.
• To achieve the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) benchmark for CLABSI incidence.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project utilizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology was conducted in a NICU.
• An interdisciplinary team focused on evidence-based recommendations and supply chain management for central line care.
• Staff compliance with updated protocols and care bundles was monitored over six months.

Main Results:

• Vascular access team implementation led to increased compliance with updated recommendations (25% to 56.3%) and care bundles (66.07% to 79.12%).
• Improved availability of central line supplies was noted.
• A significant reduction in CLABSI rate by 82.3% was achieved, decreasing from 10.42 to 1.84 per 1,000 central line days.

Conclusions:

• Quality improvement projects based on updated recommendations are effective in reducing CLABSI rates and enhancing neonatal outcomes.
• Sustaining low CLABSI rates requires addressing challenges and continuous monitoring.
• Evidence-based practices and dedicated teams are crucial for improving neonatal care quality.