ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The neonatal population is at increased risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) related to prematurity, critical illness, and compromised immune function.1,4,5 METHODS: To address a 30 percent CLABSI rate increase, a quality improvement (QI) project in a Level IV NICU was developed and implemented by the NICU CLABSI team in 2018. The project trialed a dedicated CLABSI prevention-registered nurse (DCP-RN) role with select responsibilities aimed at rate reduction. The DCP-RN spearheaded an RN education plan, addressed prevention bundle compliance, and aided in establishing a reliable apparent cause analysis (ACA) process. RESULTS: The outcome resulted in an over 50% reduction in the CLABSI rate and permanent adoption of the DCP-RN role in the NICU.
Subject(s)
Catheter-Related Infections , Catheterization, Central Venous , Sepsis , Catheter-Related Infections/prevention & control , Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Quality ImprovementABSTRACT
The neonatal population is at a particularly high risk for catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI). Chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis is well documented to effectively decrease the incidence of bloodstream infections associated with central venous catheters in other populations. The project described in this article demonstrates that chlorhexidine for central venous catheter insertion and line maintenance in the neonatal population safely and effectively reduces CABSI.
