Case Study: Good Shepherd Penn Partners 2019 HAP Achievement Award

Awarded for: Prevention of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in Long-term Acute Care

In Safe Hands

Large Organizations

The goal:  To achieve a 25 percent reduction in the CLABSI rate from April 2018 to January 2019, reversing a recent rise in the CLABSI rate.

A task force reviewed best practices, interviewed bedside staff, and did a retrospective chart review to develop a multifaceted initiative implemented during July 2018.

Because most patients have their central lines inserted at other facilities, the Good Shepherd Penn Partners focused on preventing CLABSIs after insertion, with special attention to daily chlorhexidine bathing and blood culturing practices.

The prevention initiative included these main components:

• A recurring six-part educational series for bedside nurses
• Education for nurses and physicians about daily chlorhexidine bathing
• An electronic audit report to provide feedback about patients without active chlorhexidine orders
• The use of venipuncture alone for evaluation of potential bloodstream infections

Results:  A significant decline in the rate of CLABSIs was achieved after eight months. The 0.55 infection rate per 1000 central line days during fiscal year (FY) 2019 represented an 80 percent reduction from FY 2018. Chlorhexidine bathing is now ordered for and delivered to more than 95 percent of patients who have central lines.

 

Download

Topics: Population Health, Quality Initiatives

Revision Date: 9/1/2019

Return to Previous Page