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An audit programme for central venous catheter-associated infections
T S Elliott1, M H Faroqui, S E Tebbs
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|July 1, 1995
Summary
This audit reviewed clinical practices for central venous catheters (CVC) to reduce infection rates. Implementing the audit programme aims to improve CVC insertion and care, thereby lowering localized and systemic infections.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Clinical Auditing
- Medical Device Management
Background:
- Central venous catheters (CVC) are frequently linked to localized and systemic infections.
- Effective management of CVC is crucial for patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an audit programme designed to evaluate clinical practices related to CVC insertion and care.
- To assess the relationship between CVC management and the incidence of associated infections.
- To facilitate improvements in CVC policies and reduce infection rates.
Main Methods:
- Development of a joint audit programme by the Hospital Infection Society and the Research Unit of the Royal College of Physicians.
- Subdivision of the programme into audits of hospital practices and patient management concerning CVC.
- Utilisation of a questionnaire to evaluate all aspects of CVC use, including infection incidence.
Main Results:
- The audit programme provides a framework for assessing current CVC practices.
- It enables the evaluation of infection rates associated with CVC use.
- The findings can guide the review and enhancement of CVC insertion and care protocols.
Conclusions:
- The audit programme serves as a tool to review and improve clinical practices for CVC.
- By identifying areas for improvement, the programme can help reduce the incidence of CVC-related infections.
- This systematic approach supports enhanced patient safety and infection prevention strategies.