Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Reaching Zero CLASBIs by Improving Compliance to Aseptic Technique

Central line-associated bloodstream infections continued to occur in the adult ICU despite the implementation of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s central line bundle. Compliance with central line bundle was high, yet observations revealed breaks in aseptic technique during skin preparation, line insertion and port access.

Collaboration between infection prevention and IV therapy revealed that the kits used for dressing changes and port access needed to be configured to support compliance with aseptic technique. After staff education, collaboration with the dressing change kit vendor and staff commitment to patient safety, the rate for the adult edical/surgical ICU has remained at zero for 17 consecutive months.

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.)