Our nursing team has a big reason to celebrate. During the month of January 2021 the team achieved zero primary (non-mucosal barrier injury) central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), demonstrating the value of teamwork and our hospital’s commitment to cultivating an environment for safe patient care.
“We are so proud of our teams for the tireless work that goes into caring for our patients with central lines,” said Kathleen Magee, Nursing Director lead for the CLABSI Hospital Acquired Conditions (HAC) workgroup.
“We could not have accomplished this goal without such strong collaboration from our front line nurses and PCAs, medical team, infection control colleagues and perioperative teams that place these lines. It is so great to see that hard work pay off and result in zero primary CLABSI for our patients.”
What are CLABSI?
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), also known as a Hospital Acquired Condition (HAC), are a serious infection that occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream through a patient’s central line.
How are CLABSI prevented?
To prevent CLABSI health care providers must follow a strict protocol when inserting the line to ensure it remains sterile and CLABSI do not occur. In addition to inserting the central line properly, providers must use stringent infection control practices every time they check the line or change the dressing. Patients who get a CLABSI have a fever, and might have red skin and soreness around the central line. If this happens, health care providers can do tests to learn if there is an infection present.
How did Texas Children’s achieve this milestone?
Some strategies to achieve this milestone include determining the necessity of the line in the care of the patient and the use of CHG treatments. Additionally, routine central line dressing and tubing changes can help mitigate the incidence of CLABSI.
The last time Texas Children’s achieved zero cases of CLABSI was in June 2015.