Active surveillance and safety organizational goals to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections outside the intensive care unit: 9 years of experience

Am J Infect Control. 2016 Sep 1;44(9):1058-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.02.034. Epub 2016 May 5.

Abstract

We performed a quasi-experimental, cohort study in the medical-surgical inpatient wards comparing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates and microbiologic characteristics in 3 phases. The CLABSI rates decreased 60% from phase 1 to 2 and 61.5% from phase 2 to 3. Gram-positive organisms were most frequently isolated in phases 1 and 3, and gram-negative bacilli were most frequently isolated in phase 2. The CLABSI surveillance and prevention program focusing on patient safety had a significant impact on CLABSI rates.

Keywords: Infection control; bundle; central line; central line–associated bloodstream infection; general medical wards; health care–associated infection; surveillance.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia / epidemiology
  • Bacteremia / prevention & control*
  • Catheter-Related Infections / epidemiology
  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Epidemiological Monitoring*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Organizational Objectives*
  • Patient Safety