Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI's) are one of the most deadly healthcare associated infections (HAI's). Approximately 12-25% of CLABSI's result in death and the average cost per case is about $26,000. In recent years, between 2001 and 2009, CLABSI incidences have decreased from 43,000 to 18,000. This has saved the health care industry 3-6,000 lives and approximately $414 million in ICU's in 2009 alone. To this day, many hospitals are now reporting zero CLABSI's. This has been accomplished by best practice recommendations made by the CDC, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, to implement a "bundle" approach to prevent CLABSI. The IHI defines a "bundle" as a group of evidence-based interventions for patient care that improves care when used individually, and result in substantially better outcomes when implemented together. The IHI central line bundle includes five main components: hand hygeine, maximum sterile barrier precautions with insertion and ongoing care, chlorhexidine skin prep, optimal cather site selection (subclavian vein is preferred, avoid the femoral vein), and a daily review of line necessity.
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It is important that all nursing staff are educated on best practices to reduce CLABSI rates. Many hospitals have implemented checklists to ensure compliance with these practices. As healthcare providers, and advocates for our patients, it is important to hold our co-workers accountable in the prevention of
It is important that all nursing staff are educated on best practices to reduce CLABSI rates. Many hospitals have implemented checklists to ensure compliance with these practices. As healthcare providers, and advocates for our patients, it is important to hold our co-workers accountable in the prevention of