Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and excessive cost of care.
Methods: This study was an observational cohort study using historical controls in the setting of a 9-bed surgical intensive care unit in a Level I trauma center; all patients admitted or transferred into the unit were enrolled in the study.
Objectives: A quality improvement intervention protocol was instituted to reduce CLABSI incidence with a 3-month effectiveness study using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloths for daily patient bathing; education of surgical intensive care unit staff on changes to CLABSI prevention protocol and all existing CLABSI prevention policies and bundles already in place; and compliance monitoring and documentation.
Results: The 3-month effectiveness study showed a decrease in CLABSI rates from 12.07 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days to 3.17 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days (73.7% rate reduction; P = .0358).
Conclusion: CLABSI incidence rates were reduced in a high-risk patient population using evidence-based prevention bundles and implementing daily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate nonrinse cloths.
Copyright © 2010 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.