Achieving Zero Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections: 15 Months Success in a Community Based Medical Center

Achieving Zero Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections: 15 Month Success In A Community Based Medical Center.Background and PurposeCatheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) is a major cause of patient morbidity, mortality, and cost. Lower CRBSI rates would decrease inpatient length of stay.ProjectAn innovative central line bundle was developed to reduce CRBSI. An innovative combination of focused nursing practice and product technologies were selected for the bundle and implemented through a defined educational program. Data was collected from thirty-two critical care beds: 16 medical/surgical ICU and 16 Trauma-Neuro ICU beds.ResultsFrom January 2006 thru March 2007 there were Zero occurrences of CRBSI. Over this 15 month period our PICC insertions increased by 103%, and our interventional radiology referral rate decreased to less than 2%.Implications/ConclusionsA multimodality bundle, combining nursing practice interventions and technology can successfully decrease the incidence of CRBSI. While some of the bundle components have not been widely researched and instead are based on theory or accepted clinical practice, the early outcome provides a basis for additional study and refinement. It also invites research into the various components of the bundle to evaluate the effect each separate practice and product lends to its success.