AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Strict Adherence to System-Wide Standards and Protocols Significantly Reduces Infections Associated With Central Venous Catheters

Strict Adherence to System-Wide Standards and Protocols Significantly Reduces Infections Associated With Central Venous Catheters

Snapshot
Summary
The North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System uses a standard, system-wide process to reduce central venous catheter–related infections, with a focus on adhering to evidence-based standards and protocols related to inserting, maintaining, and removing the catheters. Between 2006 (the implementation year) and 2008, the incidence of central line–associated infections, also known as central line–associated bacteremia, decreased by 42 percent; the rate increased slightly in 2009.

See the Description section for new information about the use of standardized tools and updated information about auditing and feedback, the Results section for updated data about central line–related bacteremia incidence, and the Planning and Development section for information about implementation of new protocols (updated March 2010).

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of a pre- and post-implementation comparison of central line–associated bacteremia.

Developing Organizations
North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System


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AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Strict Adherence to System-Wide Standards and Protocols Significantly Reduces Infections Associated With Central Venous Catheters