Reducing Central Line–Associated Blood Stream Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Strategies for Change

Central line–associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) continue to be a common occurrence in the neonatal intensive care unit, often resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and increased length of stay for survivors. Once thought to be an inevitable consequence of hospital care, device-related infection is now believed to be preventable in most circumstances. Effective change strategies to decrease the incidence of CLABSI depend on a unit culture that supports a model of prevention, with team members understanding the link between lapses in care and an increased risk of infection. Patient safety and quality initiatives have become an integral part of health care. This article will discuss strategies to reduce or eliminate CLABSI in the neonatal intensive care unit using quality improvement methods within a culture of communication and teamwork.