Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) pose a immediate danger to vulnerable patents, infection prevention guidance is imperative for assisting acute care hospitals in prioritizing prevention efforts. Approximately 41,000 cases of CLABSI occur in U.S. hospitals annually, increasing length of stay and rate of mortality. This can contribute greatly to additional healthcare costs in excess of $30,000 per episode. Several factors can increase the likelihood of CLABSI and those included extended hospitalization prior to catheterization, prolonged duration of catheterization, and increased microbial colonization at insertion site. So what protocol or guidance can be given in order to reduce the chances of CLABSI occurring? A stress on the implementation and following the recommendations will most certainly create a safer protocol for both hospital and patient:
– Educate both frontline hospital staff as well as leadership in the process of implementation improvement. Creating a culture of safety, relying of teamwork, and upholding accountability by realizing the value and harm a CLABSI can cause to a patient is necessary.
– Educate healthcare professionals involved in the insertion process on both insertion but also care for central lines. Educational programs, such as those offered by CVC Health Care, employ multiple teaching strategies to best develop a team.
– Standardizing the care process with best practices will increase accuracy and repetition, and also increase staff compliance.
– Using education and best care practices to set goals and identify key factors in the process are completely necessary. Feedback and communication are as important as implementation when it comes to preventing infections.
