008–Creating a Culture of Change: Decreasing Central Line Infections

Abstract

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children with central venous lines (CVLs). Negative outcomes increase dramatically in vulnerable patient populations such as infants requiring CVL access for total parenteral nutrition. The Integrated Care Services unit at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia delivers care to vulnerable infants. In October 2006, an interdisciplinary care team was formed, with the goal of decreasing CLABSI in patients by 50% and increasing the number of days between CLABSI by 50%. The team joined an institutional collaborative to reduce CLABSI by implementing a change package of evidence-based guidelines for central line insertion and maintenance, called a “bundle.”