Reducing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections

In one U.S. state, systematic implementation of a set of five interventions led to a striking reduction in infection rates.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections are a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. In this study, 67 hospitals in Michigan — accounting for 85% of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in that state — participated in a statewide patient safety initiative, one component of which was to reduce rates of central venous catheter–related bloodstream infections in the ICU.

Each hospital systematically implemented and monitored a set of five interventions in its ICUs: hand washing, using full-barrier precautions during insertion of central venous catheters, cleansing the catheter insertion site with chlorhexidine, avoiding femoral vein catheter sites, and removing unnecessary catheters. Before the intervention, the median rate of catheter-related …

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD