Reviewed by Barry Rittmann, MD, MPH, Virginia Commonwealth University
A recent article in the American Journal of Infection Control evaluated interventions to reverse CLABSI trends as hospital systems recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, investigators identified 6 hospitals with increased CLABSI rates during the onset of the pandemic, who were able to reverse these rates in 2022. Through qualitative phone interviews the research group identified common barriers identified during the pandemic, and interventions made post-pandemic. Decreased vigilance in standardized central line practices and staffing shortages were the most common barriers identified. Half of the hospitals noted PPE shortages and inconsistent CHG bathing practices. Improved adherence to known evidence-based practices were implemented to improve rates. Several other novel interventions were noted as well, such as creating a playbook outlining standardized protocols for central line insertion, maintenance, data reporting, and education, identifying and empowering infection prevention champions at all levels of care, innovations in EHR alerts and automated dashboards, and improved awareness through oversite and non-punitive communication and education. Overall, this qualitative study attempted to address the mechanisms for increased CLABSI rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential interventions performed in high-risk hospitals to improve these rates.
Reference:
Patrianakos J, Longo BA, Williams SC. Successful practices to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections post pandemic: A qualitative study. Am J Infect Control. 2024 Jul 16:S0196-6553(24)00606-0. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.07.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39025303.