TDNet Discover

Problem: The intensive care unit is at increased risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) due to repeated access to central venous catheters (CVCs) to provide nutrition, hydration, medication administration, provision of dialysis, blood draws, and apheresis treatments for critically ill patients. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a standardized protocol for the care of CVCs in ICU patients based on the Centers for Disease Control Checklist for Prevention of CLABSIs. Methods: The Practice site was an ICU in Georgia. Education included laminated copies of the CDC checklist, and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the benefits of using the CDC checklist in the care and maintenance of CVCs. The formative evaluation weekly chart audits, observations, and feedback about the checklist and real-time remediation. Summative evaluations included daily reviews of CLABSI rates. Results: Statically significant differences were found between pre- and post-intervention: lowered CLABSI rates and nurses’ adherence to the eight-item CDC checklist lowering CLABSI rates and increased nurses’ adherence to the eight-item CDC checklist. Implications: Lower CLABSI rates improve patient outcomes, the CDC checklist improves nurse adherence with CVC care, and gives the organization the opportunity to spread the checklist to other units while incurring cost savings.