Abstract
PURPOSE: This clinical nurse specialist–led quality improvement project identified barriers to adherence to a bundle for central line maintenance and examined the relationship between increased bundle adherence and central line–associated bloodstream infections. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Oncology and critical care nurses were surveyed to identify barriers to adherence to a bundle for central line maintenance. Targeted initiatives based on survey responses were implemented focusing on antimicrobial bathing, increasing confidence in an evidence-based bundle, and its ability to reduce infections. Adherence and central line–associated bloodstream infection rates were monitored at baseline and at 3, 9, and 15 months post intervention. OUTCOMES: Adherence to bundle elements improved post intervention in 4 areas in critical care units: correctly labeling catheter dressings, maintaining an occlusive dressing, clamping unused catheter lumens, and daily antimicrobial bathing. In oncology units, adherence improved in clamping unused lumens and daily antimicrobial bathing. At 9 months post intervention, infection rates decreased from 6.08 to 1.48 in critical care units and 3.13 to 0.30 in oncology units. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying unit-specific barriers to adherence to bundles for central line maintenance and implementing targeted initiatives to reduce barriers increase adherence and prevent central line infections.