Multi-Specialty Pediatric Healthcare Systems Creates Industry Collaborative Relation to Target Zero Healthcare Associated Infections: A Journey of Elimination of Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections and Multi Drug-Resistant Organisms

Abstract

Project: Our facility is comprised of three specialty pediatric facilities serving a large demographic of pediatric patients throughout the Southeast and abroad. Each facility has a unique patient case mix, which presents unique challenges to combatting both community and healthcare acquired microorganisms. So that we could further reduce our incidence of Catheter Related Bloodstream Infection (CRBSI) rates and Multi Drug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) within our hospitals, we contacted a preferred vendor partner to assist us with developing a comprehensive education plan to target these infections and achieve our goal of zero. The organization assisted us with a facility assessment to determine staff competencies on basic items such as aseptic technique, hand hygiene, and compliance with evidence-based prevention bundles for bloodstream infections. Our Infection Prevention team worked side by side with our vendor partner to develop and implement a robust educational program designed to not only target zero, but also foster a cultural transformation amongst the staff to maintain zero. In addition, we implemented the Super Sani-Cloth Quaternary Ammonium disinfectant wipe for general environmental disinfection and a 3.15% Chlorhexidine gluconate/70% Isopropyl Alcohol swab for cleaning the needleless connectors and intravenous line hubs.