Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Reduction of Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infection in Adult Critical Care

Noting an upward trend in central line-associated blood stream infections, the hospital joined the Illinois Hospital Association Patient Safety Collaborative to "Stop BSI." The infection control committee established a goal to decrease CLABSI to below the National Healthcare Safety Network pooled mean of 1.5. The infection control performance improvement team was formed to provide oversight and accountability for quality assessment and improvement activities related to hospital-acquired infections. The team focused their work on the implementation of evidence-based practices and processes as well as product evaluation. The overall CLABSI rate was 1.31 BSI per 1,000 central line days for a 61 percent reduction.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)