Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-associated DVT Reduction

The PICC team was created in March 2010 after the facility had documented an increase in PICC-associated DVTs. The team’s goal was to review how PICC lines were inserted and maintained. After comparing the process to evidence based medicine, a number of steps were changed including the manner of insertion and daily maintenance. Educators worked with nurses on how to properly maintain PICC lines. The quality department tracked each PICC line inserted to ensure the PICC was properly placed, the correct orders were entered, arm circumference was measured daily and proper maintenance—such as flushing—was completed.

As a result, the PICC line-associated DVT rate decreased from 14 percent at its highest month to 2-3 percent currently.

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.)