Abstract

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are dangerous and costly occurrences in healthcare facilities. This evidence-based project's purpose is to implement interventions to reduce CLABSIs in a healthcare facility that has higher than the national average of reported cases. The practice problem PICOT question is: In inpatients with indwelling central venous access devices at the facility, (P) how does implementation of evidence-based guidelines for central line dressing changes every seven days and as needed (I) compared to the current practice of dressing changes on Fridays (C) affect CLABSI rates over a three-month period (O). The body of evidence obtained in the project supported following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for central line insertion, care, and maintenance. The facility reviewed and amended policies and procedures to incorporate the guidelines and developed processes for adherence. The goal was to reduce the occurrences of CLABSI by 50% in the upcoming year. The outcome was met with a reduction of CLABSI cases from 40 in 2021 to 11 cases in 2022. The impact of these results shows improvement in patient outcomes with fewer patients developing CLABSI and less unrecoverable costs to the facility to treat CLABSIs. The policies in place and the dedication of the nursing leadership in the facility will make the project interventions sustainable as well as amendable as needed.

Date of publication

Spring 5-10-2024

Document Type

DNP Scholarly Project

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4690

Committee members

Cheryl D. Parker PhD, RN, NI-BC, CNE, ACUE; Gina M. Nickels-Nelson DNP, FNP-BC; Lauri D. John PhD, RN, CNS

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Available for download on Sunday, May 10, 2026

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